I was recently at a new transplant center to inquire about possibly listing there in addition to my current center. While meeting with the transplant team, I also met with the transplant surgeon. He mentioned that in preparation for the surgery I should get the vaccines for Shingles, RSV and any new booster for Covid. I've been thinking about this request and wondering what experiences transplant recipients' have had with viruses' post-transplant.
Since the initial Covid vaccine rollout in 2020-2021, I only received the first two which I had to have for my employer. Since then, I have not had any boosters. I had Shingles in 2019 so I don't feel the need to get the vaccine since right now I'm not experiencing the stress I was under in 2019.
I'm just wondering if everyone who received a kidney transplant went through all vaccine protocols and those who didn't, did you a harder time post-transplant w/viruses?
Thanks.
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Roma96
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I am six weeks post transplant. I got the shingles vaccine in 2019 and have had every single Covid vaccine since the first one. I got the flu and pneumonia vaccine in September 2024 and have gotten the flu shot every fall for many, many years. I have not been sick since before Covid. I haven't had any viruses either. I personally would rather get the vaccines than risk getting sick when highly immune suppressed after transplant. Just my experience.
My husband, who is nearly 4 years post transplant, is completely vaccinated, other than the shingles vaccine. His transplant occurred before that one was done. Since his transplant, he contracted one cold and one episode of covid. Both illnesses were mild and ran the usual course. (He was vaccinated a month prior to that with an older strain of covid, not the new strain in circulation.) Although he felt fine after the first week of covid, his covid tests didn't turn negative for 14 days or more - so that may be important to know for those who are in the workplace. However, my husband also contracted shingles post transplant and that was very ugly. It affected his eyes. Consequently, my husband will need to take pressure reducing drops for the rest of his life, It also complicated his cataract surgery. But, please remember he wasn't vaccinated for this - now he still isn't vaccinated because his retinal specialist told him his eyes haven't settled down enough - she still sees some virus activity. He's lucky he's retained his eyesight. So please take all the vaccines that are recommended. They will prevent one from going through a world of hurt. None of the vaccines that my husband has taken thus far have given any problems; indeed, they've helped him tremendously. Transplant centers generally will not list anyone who isn't vaccinated. Hope this provides a little guidance and perspective.
People who are immunocompromised generally don't have a full response to vaccines and don't have a fully functioning immune system to fight infections, which can lead to serious problems. I got all vaccines before my transplant and have received all those recommended since and have not been sick.
Agree. I personally don't know of any transplant centers that don't have a vaccine requirement. Dialysis may be the only option for them. Interestingly, my husband's dialysis center vaccinated their patients as well because they catch illnesses fast too.
Vaccination is not a topic relevant to belief. It is grounded on emperical scientific evidence and has serious consequences not only for individuals but the society at large.
I agree with you 100 percent. The medical professionals at a transplant center know better than any layperson why certain vaccines are necessary; however if a patient believes they know better than medical professionals, they should go find try and find a center that has policies that are more in line with their beliefs.
My Transplant Center did not require or even suggest getting any of those vaccines before transplant other than Covid, which I was up-to-date on. I wish I had gotten the shingles vaccine before transplant. I’ve already had that twice before transplant. Both were mild cases, but my dad who had a transplant got shingles and it was horrible. I also wish I would’ve gotten a tetanus shot. Also pneumonia. RSV was not available or I would’ve got that too. Mind you I am not a big vaccine person generally but certainly not anti-vax.
Are you under the age for those vaccines? My husband was not required to have any vaccine other than Covid, as far as I can remember, but he's under 50.
I was 56 when I started the transplant evaluation process but 60 when I received my gift of life 2 years ago this month so I was eligible. I’ve always been a bit cautious about over- vaccination since I have an immune system disorder called sarcoidosis but it was not pushed by my center. If I could do it again, I would definitely have gotten those vaccines ahead of time.
I am fully vaccinated - flu, COVID, boosters, RSV, pneumonia, SHINGLES, etc. Be warned...I have a transplant friend that got COVID, along with a case of pneumonia and wound up losing her transplant. She is back on dialysis and is waiting again for another transplant.
I did wind up getting a very mild case of COVID. It was like a head cold.
I had a kidney transplant in 2019. Since then, I have had every recommended vaccine. Flu, RSVV, Pneumonia, and Covid, then all boosters as recommended. I still caught Covid and was in the hospital for several weeks. I was very sick and it was touch and go for a while. Although, I have no memory of this, my family was very concerned. The Transplant Team, my Kidney doctor and my PCP all recommended that I continue with all boosters as transplanted folks have a very poor immunity.
Its certainly your choice, but I suggest that you follow up with your team and if recommended, get the boosters.
I would rather get the vaccines while I still had an immune system in order to form antibodies, then after the Transplant and not be able to. Also, for the first two years afterwards is a really bad time to get sick.
I was fully vaccinated for Covid and Shingles prior to transplant. I got Covid 18 mos post-transplant. I had minor symptoms for 2 days and it didn’t interfere with my daily routine. I had a shingles outbreak at 2 years post-transplant. It was very contained; some discomfort for 3 or 4 days, mostly because the blisters followed my waistline my pants and belt normally hit. I was put on an antiviral within a 2 or 3 days of the first blister and it was no problem. These have been mere inconveniences, and I attribute that to the vaccines.
I'm still working getting reactivated but regardless I got the shingles as you can get it again, RSV, flu, pneumonia and Covid. I'm doing in center dialysis and don't want to catch any thing.
I am almost 2 years post kidney transplant. Prior to surgery I had all of the vaccines. Everything was up-to-date. Afterwards I have kept up with all the vaccines as well. I did have Covid and basically it was nothing to even describe other than a runny nose and slight cough. Within a day or 2 I was back to feeling normal although I did quarantine myself for 5 days and then wore a mask for 5 days. Getting all the vaccines were recommended by my transplant team as well as my primary care doctor. When out and about, if a place is crowded, I always have a mask with me. I would encourage you to get what your doctor recommends, He's doing that with your best interests in mind I'm sure. Best of luck and stay healthy!
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kidney transplant recipient.
Recent kidney transplant patient
Had my third kidney transplant 
Refused a kidney transplant 
