Vaccinations to Prevent Infections in Adults with CKD and After Kidney Transplantation: A Review
Vaccines remain safe and worthwhile in kidney disease and after transplant even though responses are weaker; live vaccines are avoided after transplant, and flu vaccine can be given as early as four weeks post-transplant.
Background
Patients with CKD, especially those on dialysis, are at high risk of preventable infections such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and RSV, yet a weakened immune system and immunosuppression reduce vaccine efficacy.
Key findings
Reduced seroreactivity in CKD must guide vaccine selection, dosing, and schedules. Live vaccines should generally be avoided after kidney transplant because of vaccine-induced complication risk; vaccination is usually recommended from 6 months post-transplant, though influenza vaccine can be safely given from 4 weeks.
Clinical implications
Vaccinations are generally safe in CKD and after transplant and should be used per public health recommendations; omitting recommended vaccines is a missed opportunity to prevent serious infectious complications.
Category
Research
Source
American Journal of Kidney Diseases
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