Why vaccines matter
Aftter your transplant, you take medicines that protect your new organ, but they also weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections. That’s why vaccines are so important—they act like a shield, helping protect both your transplanted organ and your overall health from serious illnesses. Staying up to date on your vaccines can help you avoid getting sick, which means fewer interruptions to your daily life and more time to spend doing the things you enjoy.
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After transplant, your immune system is weakened so your body doesn’t attack your transplanted organ. The downside is that certain infections could be more serious for you. Vaccines help train your immune system to recognize and fight specific diseases before they have a chance to make you ill. Staying vaccinated protects not just your overall health but also the long‑term health of your transplanted organ. Your transplant team chooses vaccines that are safe for people with suppressed immune systems, so keeping up with their recommendations is an important part of your transplant care. Here is more information about vaccines and how they keep you healthy.
Are vaccine safe?
- Yes! Most vaccines are safe after having a transplant.
- Some vaccines are not safe for people who have suppressed immune systems. These are called “live” vaccines. These vaccines use a virus in a weakened form to help your body develop an immune response, but without giving you the disease. The chicken pox vaccine (Varivax™) is an example of a live vaccine. Your transplant team will tell you which vaccines are live and should be avoided.
When do I start getting vaccines again after transplant?
- Your body needs time to heal after transplant. Many transplant teams advise getting or “catching up” on vaccines starting around 3-6 months after a transplant.
- The flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine may be given earlier if your doctor says it’s okay.
- Your transplant team will make a vaccine plan just for you.
Your doctor may recommend some of these:
If you have had vaccines before transplant, you may still need “booster” vaccines. These are extra doses of a vaccine to stay protected. Your transplant team will check certain labs that look at your immunity to these infections. If you need more protection from any of those infections, your team will let you know if you need boosters.
Family and Friends
- People who live with you should get their vaccines too. This helps protect you from getting sick.
FYIs for Teens
Can vaccines give me the disease? No. The vaccines you get are safe and cannot give you the disease they protect you against.
What if I got some vaccines before my transplant? That’s OK! Your team may still recommend booster shots to keep you protected. When in doubt - ask your transplant team.
What if I’m scared of shots? You’re not the only one! Tell your transplant team how you feel. They can work with you to make getting shots easier and less stressful.
My Vaccine Checklist
☐ I have a vaccine record (you can get this from your pediatrician or adult primary care physician).
☐ I know my next vaccine date.
☐ I talked to my transplant team about safe vaccines.
☐ My family checked their vaccine records with their PCP.
☐ I told my team if I had side effects from getting a vaccine.
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