COVID-19 vaccine use in immunocompromised patients: A commentary on evidence and recommendations

While COVID-19 vaccine emergency use authorization (EUA) deemed the vaccines to be effective and safe for public use, the phase 3 trials leading to EUA predominantly excluded patients with immunocompromising conditions. Immunocompromised patients make up a significant proportion of the population, and in light of recent mass vaccination efforts, we aim to review current evidence and recommendations of COVID-19 vaccines in 4 patient populations with immunocompromising disorders or conditions: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, solid organ transplantation, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Given the evolving data on the safety and efficacy of the approved COVID-19 vaccines in the immunocompromised population, it is vital that pharmacists and other immunizing providers understand the current data and recommendations and provide the public with accurate information. To date, the only immunocompromised subgroup included in phase 3 COVID-19 vaccine trials have been those with HIV infection. However, recent retrospective trials have provided reassuring data on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised patients, and the interim analysis of the Moderna phase 3 trial produced promising data on efficacy in HIV-infected patients. Presently, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, British Society for Immunology, and various other governmental and professional societies and organizations endorse COVID-19 vaccination in the immunocompromised population.

While additional data is needed to determine the effects of immunocompromising medical conditions and immunosuppressing medications on the efficacy of the vaccine, the benefits of vaccination is anticipated to outweigh theoretical risks. Thus, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for immunocompromised patients at this time, and providers should make efforts to decrease vaccine hesitancy in this population through education and reassurance.