March 10, 2022
From: M Health Fairview, Transplant Team
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
UPDATED COVID VACCINATION AND TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
I’m a transplant recipient. Should I follow the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and get an additional dose (4th dose or “booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. If you are 12 years old or older, and you were vaccinated with three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine, and your third dose was more than three months ago, we recommend following the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC and obtain an additional dose (“booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine. You should also be more than 3-6 months post-transplant or treatment for rejection. If this applies to you, please check with your transplant coordinator.
For transplant recipients 5-11 years old, we recommend following the most up to date guidance from the CDC. You should have a 3-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna).
Should I receive an additional dose (3rd dose or “booster”) if I received the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine?
Yes. For immunocompromised people who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine primary series, you should receive a second dose at least one month after the initial dose, and then a booster dose (for a total of three doses) at least three months after the second dose.
Does this additional dose have to be from the same manufacturer as the first vaccine or vaccine series I received?
No. In most situations, Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination.
Can I go to any clinic or pharmacy to receive an additional “booster” dose of the vaccine?
Yes. You can go to any clinic or pharmacy offering the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine. If needed, you can present this letter as proof that you have received an organ transplant.
After I receive an additional “booster” dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. In addition, the Omicron variant is more infectious and requires additional precaution. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We have learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
In addition, there is a long-acting monoclonal antibody preparation available for populations that may have an inadequate response to the vaccine (such as solid organ transplant recipients). We have already been giving this medication—called Evusheld-- to lung transplant recipients and recipients who recently received thymoglobulin as part of the transplant immunosuppressive therapy. All organ transplant recipients who are 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms [about 88 pounds] potentially qualify for this treatment. We will be contacting patients by MyChart, phone, or mail when you are eligible.
If you have received Evusheld, we recommend you wait six months after your dose of Evusheld to get the fourth dose (“booster”) vaccine.
What should I do if I am exposed to COVID-19?
If you are immunocompromised and have been in close contact within the last 10 days to someone who has tested positive, please contact us to facilitate testing and discuss referral for monoclonal antibody therapy. You may need adjustments in your immune suppressant medications.
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Initiate a visit via MyChart for evaluation for oral COVID-19 treatment and update your transplant coordinator. Treatment could include a referral for monoclonal antibody therapy (this will need to be applied for on the MN Department of Health website. It is available for patients 12 years old and older and weighing at least 88 pounds) or you may be prescribed an oral COVID-19 therapeutic. If you are prescribed Paxlovid (an oral COVID-19 treatment), you MUST contact your transplant coordinator because there are significant interactions between Paxlovid and anti-rejection medications.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Because transplant recipients do not respond as well to the vaccine, it is very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
AST Statement about Vaccine Efficacy in Organ Transplant Recipients:
ast ishlt guidance vaccine 08132021FINAL DRAFT2.pdf (myast.org)
AST COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance:
11.08.2021 AST COVID Vaccine Info Patients Update.pdf (myast.org)
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform for COVID-19 Treatment (MNRAP): For Patients or Caregivers - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us).
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
UPDATED COVID VACCINATION AND TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOLID ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS
I’m a transplant recipient. Should I follow the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and get an additional dose (4th dose or “booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. If you are 12 years old or older, and you were vaccinated with three doses of the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine, and your third dose was more than three months ago, we recommend following the most up-to-date guidance from the CDC and obtain an additional dose (“booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine. You should also be more than 3-6 months post-transplant or treatment for rejection. If this applies to you, please check with your transplant coordinator.
For transplant recipients 5-11 years old, we recommend following the most up to date guidance from the CDC. You should have a 3-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series (Pfizer or Moderna).
Should I receive an additional dose (3rd dose or “booster”) if I received the Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine?
Yes. For immunocompromised people who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine primary series, you should receive a second dose at least one month after the initial dose, and then a booster dose (for a total of three doses) at least three months after the second dose.
Does this additional dose have to be from the same manufacturer as the first vaccine or vaccine series I received?
No. In most situations, Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine for primary and booster vaccination.
Can I go to any clinic or pharmacy to receive an additional “booster” dose of the vaccine?
Yes. You can go to any clinic or pharmacy offering the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine. If needed, you can present this letter as proof that you have received an organ transplant.
After I receive an additional “booster” dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. In addition, the Omicron variant is more infectious and requires additional precaution. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We have learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
In addition, there is a long-acting monoclonal antibody preparation available for populations that may have an inadequate response to the vaccine (such as solid organ transplant recipients). We have already been giving this medication—called Evusheld-- to lung transplant recipients and recipients who recently received thymoglobulin as part of the transplant immunosuppressive therapy. All organ transplant recipients who are 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms [about 88 pounds] potentially qualify for this treatment. We will be contacting patients by MyChart, phone, or mail when you are eligible.
If you have received Evusheld, we recommend you wait six months after your dose of Evusheld to get the fourth dose (“booster”) vaccine.
What should I do if I am exposed to COVID-19?
If you are immunocompromised and have been in close contact within the last 10 days to someone who has tested positive, please contact us to facilitate testing and discuss referral for monoclonal antibody therapy. You may need adjustments in your immune suppressant medications.
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Initiate a visit via MyChart for evaluation for oral COVID-19 treatment and update your transplant coordinator. Treatment could include a referral for monoclonal antibody therapy (this will need to be applied for on the MN Department of Health website. It is available for patients 12 years old and older and weighing at least 88 pounds) or you may be prescribed an oral COVID-19 therapeutic. If you are prescribed Paxlovid (an oral COVID-19 treatment), you MUST contact your transplant coordinator because there are significant interactions between Paxlovid and anti-rejection medications.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Because transplant recipients do not respond as well to the vaccine, it is very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
AST Statement about Vaccine Efficacy in Organ Transplant Recipients:
ast ishlt guidance vaccine 08132021FINAL DRAFT2.pdf (myast.org)
AST COVID-19 Vaccination Guidance:
11.08.2021 AST COVID Vaccine Info Patients Update.pdf (myast.org)
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform for COVID-19 Treatment (MNRAP): For Patients or Caregivers - Minnesota Dept. of Health (state.mn.us).
August 20, 2021
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients-COVID-19
From: M Health Fairview, Transplant Team
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
I’m a transplant recipient, should I follow the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and get an additional dose (3rd dose or “booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. If you were vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine, and your second dose was more than 1 month (28 days) ago, we strongly encourage you to follow the most up to date guidance from the CDC recommending that transplant recipients obtain an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You should also be more than 3-6 months post-transplant or treatment for rejection.
Should I receive an additional dose if I received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine?
No. At this time, there are not enough data to determine whether immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine. Please await further recommendations.
Does this additional dose have to be from the same manufacturer as the first vaccine or vaccine series I received?
Yes. For people who received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine series, a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine should be used. A person should not receive more than three mRNA vaccine doses. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered.
Can I go to any Clinic or Pharmacy to receive an additional dose of the vaccine?
Yes. You can schedule your 3rd dose of the vaccine at any clinic or pharmacy offering the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine. If needed, you can present this letter as proof that you have received an organ transplant. On Tuesday, Aug. 24, M Health will begin offering third doses of the of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to immunocompromised patients. Beginning Tuesday, qualified patients can schedule their third dose vaccine appointments via MyChart, by calling 612-336-2690, option 1, or you can walk in to one of our retail pharmacies to receive the vaccine – no appointment needed. If you are an existing patient who is immunocompromised, you will also receive an invitation to schedule your vaccine appointment via MyChart message or mail. We are not yet providing third shots of COVID-19 vaccine to patients who are not immunocompromised. Please check back in the coming days for more information on when these may become available
After I receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. In addition, the Delta variant is more infectious and requires additional precautions. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We’ve learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination.
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
If you are interested in having antibody testing performed, you are encouraged to consider enrolling in the SeroNet study. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, whether you participate will have no effect on the medical care you receive. If you are interested, please visit https://seronet.umn.edu/ to determine if you qualify to participate.
What should I do if I am exposed to COVID-19?
If you are immunocompromised and have been in close contact within the last 10 days to someone who has tested positive, please contact us to facilitate testing and be referred for monoclonal antibody therapy. You may need adjustments in your immune suppressant medications.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. We recommend that household contacts get the vaccine if they don’t have any contraindications (medical reasons). Because transplant recipients don’t respond as well to the vaccine, it’s very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator, at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
University of Minnesota SeroNet Study Website:
Home | SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study (umn.edu)
American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients:
www.myast.org/statement-covid-19-vaccination-solid-organ-transplant-recipients
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
Reply
From: M Health Fairview, Transplant Team
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
I’m a transplant recipient, should I follow the recent recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and get an additional dose (3rd dose or “booster”) of the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. If you were vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine, and your second dose was more than 1 month (28 days) ago, we strongly encourage you to follow the most up to date guidance from the CDC recommending that transplant recipients obtain an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. You should also be more than 3-6 months post-transplant or treatment for rejection.
Should I receive an additional dose if I received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine?
No. At this time, there are not enough data to determine whether immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have an improved antibody response following an additional dose of the same vaccine. Please await further recommendations.
Does this additional dose have to be from the same manufacturer as the first vaccine or vaccine series I received?
Yes. For people who received either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine series, a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine should be used. A person should not receive more than three mRNA vaccine doses. If the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine product may be administered.
Can I go to any Clinic or Pharmacy to receive an additional dose of the vaccine?
Yes. You can schedule your 3rd dose of the vaccine at any clinic or pharmacy offering the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccine. If needed, you can present this letter as proof that you have received an organ transplant. On Tuesday, Aug. 24, M Health will begin offering third doses of the of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to immunocompromised patients. Beginning Tuesday, qualified patients can schedule their third dose vaccine appointments via MyChart, by calling 612-336-2690, option 1, or you can walk in to one of our retail pharmacies to receive the vaccine – no appointment needed. If you are an existing patient who is immunocompromised, you will also receive an invitation to schedule your vaccine appointment via MyChart message or mail. We are not yet providing third shots of COVID-19 vaccine to patients who are not immunocompromised. Please check back in the coming days for more information on when these may become available
After I receive a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. In addition, the Delta variant is more infectious and requires additional precautions. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We’ve learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination.
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
If you are interested in having antibody testing performed, you are encouraged to consider enrolling in the SeroNet study. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, whether you participate will have no effect on the medical care you receive. If you are interested, please visit https://seronet.umn.edu/ to determine if you qualify to participate.
What should I do if I am exposed to COVID-19?
If you are immunocompromised and have been in close contact within the last 10 days to someone who has tested positive, please contact us to facilitate testing and be referred for monoclonal antibody therapy. You may need adjustments in your immune suppressant medications.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. We recommend that household contacts get the vaccine if they don’t have any contraindications (medical reasons). Because transplant recipients don’t respond as well to the vaccine, it’s very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator, at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
University of Minnesota SeroNet Study Website:
Home | SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study (umn.edu)
American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients:
www.myast.org/statement-covid-19-vaccination-solid-organ-transplant-recipients
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
Reply
July 8th, 2021
UPDATED JOINT AST/ASTS/ISHLT STATEMENT ABOUT VACCINE EFFICACY IN ORGAN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS.
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Key Take-Aways
Full article can be viewed by clicking the link below:
Thursday, July 8, 2021
Key Take-Aways
- All solid organ transplant recipients should be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, using locally approved vaccines.
- All eligible household and close contacts of SOT recipients should be vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 to minimize risks to the recipient.
- Whenever possible, vaccination should occur prior to transplantation (ideally with completion of vaccine series a minimum of 2 weeks prior to transplant).
- It is suggested that recipients who are concerned about their ongoing Covid risks after full vaccination discuss with their transplant physicians re: continued level of precautionary behavior to mitigate disease transmission/acquisition, testing and any new information about booster vaccination. Information about viral variants, vaccine effectiveness and perceived/real risk is changing rapidly. The transplant recipient’s concerns need to be addressed.
Full article can be viewed by clicking the link below:
June 1, 2021
From: M Health Fairview, Transplant Team
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Frequently asked questions and answers for solid organ transplant recipients:
I’m a transplant recipient. Is it safe for me to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as other vaccines that transplant recipients receive. We strongly suggest that transplant patients get the COVID-19 vaccine. The risks of getting this vaccine are minimal. Any risks are far less than the risk from not getting the vaccine and becoming infected with COVID-19.
As always, transplant patients should not receive any live-virus vaccine. However, none of the current vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) are live-virus vaccines. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson adenovirus is inactive and unable to replicate. All 3 vaccines can be used in transplant recipients.
Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. At this time, we recommend that all solid organ transplant recipients over the age of 12 get vaccinated. If you are still looking for a vaccine, please visit the Minnesota Vaccine Finder (see link on page 3).
How soon after my transplant should I get vaccinated?
You should wait 3-6 months after your transplant date before you get the vaccine. If you are treated for rejection, you should wait 3-6 months after you complete the treatment before getting the vaccine.
Should I get a specific brand of COVID-19 vaccine?
No. We strongly suggest that transplant recipients get whichever COVID-19 vaccine they can get the soonest. Children aged 12 to 18 are only approved for the Pfizer vaccine.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I had COVID-19?
Yes. We strongly suggest that you get vaccinated no matter your history of infection. You don’t need serologic (blood) testing to assess prior infection before you’re vaccinated.
You should wait and get vaccinated only when you’ve recovered from COVID-19 and meet the guidelines to stop isolation (quarantine). Please visit the CDC website (see the link on page 3) for more details about vaccine timing.
After I’m vaccinated, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We’ve learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination.
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
If you are interested in having antibody testing performed, you are encouraged to consider enrolling in the SeroNet study. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, whether you participate will have no effect on the medical care you receive. If you are interested, please click on this link to determine if you qualify to participate.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. We recommend that household contacts get the vaccine if they don’t have any contraindications (medical reasons). Because transplant recipients don’t respond as well to the vaccine, it’s very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator, at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 Resource Hub:
COVID-19 Resource Hub (mhealthfairview.org)
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
University of Minnesota SeroNet Study Website:
Home | SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study (umn.edu)
American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients:
www.myast.org/statement-covid-19-vaccination-solid-organ-transplant-recipients
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
To: Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Frequently asked questions and answers for solid organ transplant recipients:
I’m a transplant recipient. Is it safe for me to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. The Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are as safe as other vaccines that transplant recipients receive. We strongly suggest that transplant patients get the COVID-19 vaccine. The risks of getting this vaccine are minimal. Any risks are far less than the risk from not getting the vaccine and becoming infected with COVID-19.
As always, transplant patients should not receive any live-virus vaccine. However, none of the current vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) are live-virus vaccines. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson adenovirus is inactive and unable to replicate. All 3 vaccines can be used in transplant recipients.
Should I get vaccinated?
Yes. At this time, we recommend that all solid organ transplant recipients over the age of 12 get vaccinated. If you are still looking for a vaccine, please visit the Minnesota Vaccine Finder (see link on page 3).
How soon after my transplant should I get vaccinated?
You should wait 3-6 months after your transplant date before you get the vaccine. If you are treated for rejection, you should wait 3-6 months after you complete the treatment before getting the vaccine.
Should I get a specific brand of COVID-19 vaccine?
No. We strongly suggest that transplant recipients get whichever COVID-19 vaccine they can get the soonest. Children aged 12 to 18 are only approved for the Pfizer vaccine.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I had COVID-19?
Yes. We strongly suggest that you get vaccinated no matter your history of infection. You don’t need serologic (blood) testing to assess prior infection before you’re vaccinated.
You should wait and get vaccinated only when you’ve recovered from COVID-19 and meet the guidelines to stop isolation (quarantine). Please visit the CDC website (see the link on page 3) for more details about vaccine timing.
After I’m vaccinated, do I need to continue to take steps to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. Because transplant recipients are immunosuppressed (have a lowered immune response), they do not respond as well as others to vaccines. Even after you get the vaccine, it’s important to keep taking measures to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Keep wearing a face covering (mask), washing your hands and socially distancing.
How can I tell if the vaccine is effective?
We’ve learned from recent research that transplant recipients may have a lower antibody response than people without transplants. But there are other aspects of your immune system that can be activated by vaccination.
At this time, we are not recommending routine antibody screening after vaccination. We need more research to better understand the full immune response in transplant recipients. COVID infections can occur in vaccinated transplant recipients, but the vaccine is still likely to prevent severe disease. For more, please read the American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients (the link is on page 3).
If you are interested in having antibody testing performed, you are encouraged to consider enrolling in the SeroNet study. Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, whether you participate will have no effect on the medical care you receive. If you are interested, please click on this link to determine if you qualify to participate.
Should people in my household get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. We recommend that household contacts get the vaccine if they don’t have any contraindications (medical reasons). Because transplant recipients don’t respond as well to the vaccine, it’s very important that those around them get vaccinated.
Call your transplant coordinator, at 612-625-5115, with any other questions. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Team
For more information, visit:
M Health Fairview COVID-19 Resource Hub:
COVID-19 Resource Hub (mhealthfairview.org)
M Health Fairview COVID-19 page (includes current visitor guidelines and links to sign up to get a vaccine at M Health Fairview):
www.mhealthfairview.org/covid19
University of Minnesota SeroNet Study Website:
Home | SeroNet COVID-19 Vaccine Response Study (umn.edu)
American Society of Transplantation statement on COVID-19 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients:
www.myast.org/statement-covid-19-vaccination-solid-organ-transplant-recipients
CDC COVID-19 page:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
CDC: detailed background on COVID-19 vaccines:
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html - CoV-19-vaccination
Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 page:
health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html
Minnesota Vaccine Finder website:
mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/find-vaccine/locations/index.jsp
ISHLT and JHLT Share COVID-19 Vaccination Findings and Recommendations
NEWS PROVIDED BY
The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation May 13, 2021, 13:41 ET
ADDISON, Texas, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Evidence is emerging about the immunogenicity of vaccination to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in immune-suppressed individuals, including organ transplant recipients. The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation (JHLT) presents two key studies in thoracic organ transplantation.
Peled et al describes 77 vaccinated heart transplant recipients, and Havlin et al presents 48 vaccinated lung transplant recipients. Both of these studies assessed the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech). Vaccination was safe with no evidence of short-term allograft-related adverse effects in either cohort. The IgG vaccine-induced antibody response was lower in the transplant patients compared to that reported for the general population, especially in those heart and lung transplant recipients on anti-metabolite immune suppression that contained mycophenolic acid. Havlin et al specifically evaluated T- cell responses in lung transplant patients, and even among those with no discernable antibody, a third had functional T-cell response to the virus, suggesting that some vaccinated thoracic organ transplanted recipients may derive benefit from the vaccine even in the absence of an antibody response.
ISHLT urges COVID-19 vaccination and continued "pandemic precautions" for SOT recipients and their families.
"These two JHLT studies provide the initial evidence of safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 in thoracic organ transplant recipients," says Daniel R. Goldstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of the JHLT, and Eliza Maria Mosher Collegiate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. "These studies are a critical platform for future investigation."
Ultimately, longer term data will be needed to understand the effectiveness of SARS-COV-2 vaccine in organ transplant recipients, but at this point the ISHLT COVID-19 Task Force has advised not to change patients' immune suppression regimen after vaccination as there is likely some protection afforded by the vaccine, and reductions in immune suppression could precipitate graft rejection. As the vaccine appears safe and gives some level of immune protection, the two studies suggest that thoracic organ transplant recipients should be vaccinated.
"We urge pre-transplant vaccination of all SOT candidates as a priority whenever feasible," says Lara Danziger-Isakov, MD, MPH, ISHLT President and Director of Immunocompromised Host Infectious Disease at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "We also encourage the continued SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of SOT recipients and priority for vaccination of their household members and caregivers to reduce exposure risk for these vulnerable patients."
Vaccinated thoracic organ transplant recipient and their families should continue to take "pandemic precautions" such as hygiene, social distancing, and mask wearing. Ideally, patients on the transplant waiting list and their families should receive COVID-19 vaccination so that they can mount an effective anti-SARS-COV-2 immune response prior to transplantation and immune suppression. Longer-term studies of the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in thoracic organ transplant recipients will also be needed.
The ISHLT COVID-19 Task Force and the American Society of Transplantation (AST) have released a joint statement on Vaccination in Solid Organ Transplant (SOT) Recipients, which can be accessed at ishlt.org/covid-19-information. To date, the statement has been endorsed by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), and The Transplantation Society (TTS).
About ISHLT
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary professional organization dedicated to improving the care of patients with advanced heart or lung disease through transplantation, mechanical support and innovative therapies. With more than 3,800 members in more than 45 countries, ISHLT is the world's largest organization dedicated to the research, education and advocacy of end-stage heart and lung disease. ISHLT members represent more than 15 different professional disciplines. For more information, visit www.ishlt.org.
About JHLT
The official publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation brings readers essential scholarly and timely information in the field of cardiopulmonary transplantation, mechanical and biological support of the failing heart, advanced lung disease (including pulmonary vascular disease) and cell replacement therapy. Importantly, the Journal also serves as a medium of communication of pre-clinical sciences in all these rapidly expanding areas. For more information, visit www.jhltonline.org.
SOURCE The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
NEWS PROVIDED BY
The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation May 13, 2021, 13:41 ET
ADDISON, Texas, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Evidence is emerging about the immunogenicity of vaccination to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in immune-suppressed individuals, including organ transplant recipients. The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation (JHLT) presents two key studies in thoracic organ transplantation.
Peled et al describes 77 vaccinated heart transplant recipients, and Havlin et al presents 48 vaccinated lung transplant recipients. Both of these studies assessed the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech). Vaccination was safe with no evidence of short-term allograft-related adverse effects in either cohort. The IgG vaccine-induced antibody response was lower in the transplant patients compared to that reported for the general population, especially in those heart and lung transplant recipients on anti-metabolite immune suppression that contained mycophenolic acid. Havlin et al specifically evaluated T- cell responses in lung transplant patients, and even among those with no discernable antibody, a third had functional T-cell response to the virus, suggesting that some vaccinated thoracic organ transplanted recipients may derive benefit from the vaccine even in the absence of an antibody response.
ISHLT urges COVID-19 vaccination and continued "pandemic precautions" for SOT recipients and their families.
"These two JHLT studies provide the initial evidence of safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 in thoracic organ transplant recipients," says Daniel R. Goldstein, MD, Editor-in-Chief of the JHLT, and Eliza Maria Mosher Collegiate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan. "These studies are a critical platform for future investigation."
Ultimately, longer term data will be needed to understand the effectiveness of SARS-COV-2 vaccine in organ transplant recipients, but at this point the ISHLT COVID-19 Task Force has advised not to change patients' immune suppression regimen after vaccination as there is likely some protection afforded by the vaccine, and reductions in immune suppression could precipitate graft rejection. As the vaccine appears safe and gives some level of immune protection, the two studies suggest that thoracic organ transplant recipients should be vaccinated.
"We urge pre-transplant vaccination of all SOT candidates as a priority whenever feasible," says Lara Danziger-Isakov, MD, MPH, ISHLT President and Director of Immunocompromised Host Infectious Disease at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. "We also encourage the continued SARS-CoV-2 vaccination of SOT recipients and priority for vaccination of their household members and caregivers to reduce exposure risk for these vulnerable patients."
Vaccinated thoracic organ transplant recipient and their families should continue to take "pandemic precautions" such as hygiene, social distancing, and mask wearing. Ideally, patients on the transplant waiting list and their families should receive COVID-19 vaccination so that they can mount an effective anti-SARS-COV-2 immune response prior to transplantation and immune suppression. Longer-term studies of the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in thoracic organ transplant recipients will also be needed.
The ISHLT COVID-19 Task Force and the American Society of Transplantation (AST) have released a joint statement on Vaccination in Solid Organ Transplant (SOT) Recipients, which can be accessed at ishlt.org/covid-19-information. To date, the statement has been endorsed by the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD), the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS), and The Transplantation Society (TTS).
About ISHLT
The International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary professional organization dedicated to improving the care of patients with advanced heart or lung disease through transplantation, mechanical support and innovative therapies. With more than 3,800 members in more than 45 countries, ISHLT is the world's largest organization dedicated to the research, education and advocacy of end-stage heart and lung disease. ISHLT members represent more than 15 different professional disciplines. For more information, visit www.ishlt.org.
About JHLT
The official publication of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation brings readers essential scholarly and timely information in the field of cardiopulmonary transplantation, mechanical and biological support of the failing heart, advanced lung disease (including pulmonary vascular disease) and cell replacement therapy. Importantly, the Journal also serves as a medium of communication of pre-clinical sciences in all these rapidly expanding areas. For more information, visit www.jhltonline.org.
SOURCE The International Society of Heart and Lung Transplantation
March 9, 2021
February 1, 2021
Determine your eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine
January 12, 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations for Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
From: M Health Fairview, Solid Organ Transplant Services
To: Solid Organ and Auto Islet Transplant Recipients
We are writing to you with some updated guidance about the vaccines that are now available for the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
- As a transplant recipient, you are strongly advised to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccine anywhere it is offered.
- If you received your transplant within the past 3 months, your Transplant Coordinator will contact you with specific information regarding the timing of vaccination.
- Both of these vaccines require 2 doses, and you should plan to get both doses. Both doses must be from the same manufacturer.
- You can get the vaccine anywhere it is available to you. It doesn’t have to be at M Health Fairview or your transplant clinic.
- You don’t need to contact your Transplant Coordinator or the transplant clinic for approval, or about medication interactions.
- You should not receive any other types of vaccines within 2 weeks of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The Pfizer vaccine is approved for people age 16 or older, and the Moderna vaccine is approved for those 18 or older.
- If you have ever tested positive for COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated.
- You should still wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines even after you get the vaccine.
- This guidance is based on guidance from the American Society of Transplantation, the American Society of Transplant Surgeons, and the United Network for Organ Sharing.
Call your Transplant Coordinator with any further questions at 612-625-5115. If there are changes to our guidance about the COVID-19 vaccine, we will contact you again.
Thank you for trusting us with your care,
M Heath Fairview
Solid Organ Transplant Services
Recommended Links
January 5, 2021
Newly published COVID-19 vaccine recommendation from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation.
Click the button below to read the full article in the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation.
November 11, 2020
The Guest You Didn't Invite for the Holidays: COVID-19
Dr. Rebecca Cogswell, Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist
Dr Bearman and Dr. Palmer, M-Health Psychologists
Jane Johnson, LMFT, RN and SCFLF Board Member
Dr Bearman and Dr. Palmer, M-Health Psychologists
Jane Johnson, LMFT, RN and SCFLF Board Member
Dr. Rebecca Cogswell provides an update with the latest medical insights regarding COVID-19 for heart transplant and LVAD/MCS patients and their families. This will include vaccines, treatments and ways to stay safe! She is joined by U of M Health Psychologists Drs. Bearman and Palmer along with Second Chance board member Jane Johnson, LMFT, RN. (Jane is also the mother of heart #933.) They discuss ideas and take questions about how you can apply the latest COVID-19 information while preparing for family holidays and our long winter season. This session was moderated by SCFLF President Glen Kelley.
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Recommended Articles From The Presenters
June 24, 2020
From the Heart: COVID-19 Considerations for Heart Transplants, VAD and Heart Disease Community
On June 24, 2020 Dr. Rebecca Cogswell, Advanced Heart Failure Cardiologist shared medical insights and recommendations on COVID-19 coronavirus with heart transplant, VAD and heart disease patients.