Renal Transplant News

Renal Transplant News

Vaccinations: A Necessary, Precautionary Measure

Vaccinations are one of the easiest precautions we can take to safeguard our health. Chronic illness, including renal disease, weakens the immune system and leaves a person more susceptible to infection. Likewise, transplant recipients who are taking immunosuppressive medications are also at higher risk for contracting infectious diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) remind patients that the need for immunization against serious disease outweighs the risk of mild side effects such as soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was given, that can be associated with vaccines.

Recommended Vaccinations

Vaccine

Flu shot to prevent or reduce the severity of influenza infection.

Vaccine

Pneumococcal polysaccharide shot to prevent pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis.

 

Vaccine

Hepatitis B shot to prevent the contraction of the hepatitis B virus that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood/body fluids/blood products.

 

Schedule

One shot annually. Influenza viruses change often, so the vaccine is updated each year. October through November is the optimal time to receive the flu shot to insure the maximum protection through flu season. Talk to your doctor or nurse before getting a flu shot if you ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or to a previous dose of flu vaccine.

Schedule

One dose can be administered at any time during the year. A one-time revaccination is recommended five years later for people with renal disease or those on immunosuppressive medications. (This vaccine can be administered on the same day as the influenza vaccine, in a different site.)

 

Schedule

Three doses are needed; a fourth dose may be recommended in some cases. Shots are typically given on a 0, 1- and 6-month schedule.

 

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