Vaccination coverage in Polish solid organ transplant recipients

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Transplant Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Solid organ transplant recipients face a heightened risk of infections post-transplantation.
• Vaccinations are crucial preventive measures against various infectious diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vaccination coverage among adult solid organ transplant recipients under long-term care.
• Assessed adherence to the Polish Vaccination Programme in a major transplant center.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based survey was administered to adult transplant recipients.
• Data collected during routine outpatient visits focused on vaccination history.

Main Results:

• 18% of patients had not received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination; 47% received booster doses.
• Only 15% reported annual influenza vaccination; 55% had never been vaccinated.
• Low coverage observed for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (7%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1%), and no vaccinations reported for Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, zoster, or RSV.

Conclusions:

• Solid organ transplant recipients are significantly undervaccinated.
• There is a critical need for improved vaccination strategies and uptake in this population.