Vaccination in kidney disease: what did we learn from COVID-19 pandemic

Patients with kidney disease were prioritized during COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Initial data on vaccine seroconversion and efficacy were confounded by heterogeneous vaccination regimens as well as response assessments. Recent data have addressed responses to evolving vaccine regimens, and addressed concerns in this high-risk population.

mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), mRNA1273 (Moderna) were the predominant vaccines used in two and three-dose regimens. Although population-based studies show reduced rates of seroconversion in kidney disease cohorts, there continues to be evolving efficacy largely due to emerging variants, and utilization of ongoing vaccine development. Recommendations on vaccination regimens now exclude use of monovalent mRNA vaccines, with bivalent vaccines are now the preferred effective vaccination. Individualization and adjustment of immunosuppressive drugs is recommended for maximal serological response in transplant recipients and patient with autoimmune kidney diseases.

Waning responses to initial vaccination regimen, as well as emerging variants of concern have resulted in multiple dose regimens being investigated in patient with kidney disease. Use of bivalent mRNA vaccine is now recommended for initial as well as subsequent vaccine doses.