The American Society of Transplantation (AST) continues to strongly support vaccination, guided by the best clinical expertise and scientific evidence, free from political or financial influence, for transplant patients, their household contacts, and their community, all of whom work together to maximize the incredible impact of transplantation and the gift of life. Easy, affordable access to vaccination for all people, guided by clinical and scientific expertise, is necessary to support a safe and successful organ transplant system in the United States.
Transplant candidates and recipients are at increased risk for severe, preventable infections and serious complications. Vaccination is a powerful tool to protect transplant patients. Immunizations reduce illness, organ failure, and death, lower healthcare costs, slow the spread of diseases, and help prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
For individuals with organ failure, pre-transplant vaccination can stimulate stronger, long-lasting immune protection compared to post-transplant vaccination. Pre-transplant vaccination also enables the safe administration of live vaccines (such as measles) to more patients and allows patients to receive transplants from a wider range of potential donors, without the need for additional post-transplant treatments. After transplant, immunizations protect the transplant recipient and their transplanted organ, as well as reduce the dangers of infections to others.
To achieve the full benefits of vaccination in transplantation, vaccination of family members and close contacts is also critical. Vaccination of healthcare workers similarly protects patients in pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals. High vaccination rates in the population make it safer for vulnerable transplant patients to attend school and work, and to participate fully in their communities and society.
The AST strongly supports universal, affordable access to evidence-based immunizations for transplant patients, their caregivers, and their healthcare teams as a cornerstone of a safe, resilient, and effective transplant system in the United States.
Approved by the AST Board of Directors on 2-24-26
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