Influenza vaccination in renal transplant recipients
S. S. Kumar, A. K. Ventura and B. VanderWerf
Renal transplant recipients receiving immunosuppressive therapy are prone
to major pulmonary infections. Development of influenza virus infection may
lead to renal allograft damage or rejection. These patients should
therefore be protected against influenza viruses by vaccination. A
satisfactory antibody response was found in 12 (60%) of 20 renal transplant
recipients vaccinated. Among 15 control subjects, the antibody response was
satisfactory in all participants (100%). Factors that might play a role in
suppression of antibody response include use of immunosuppressive drugs and
renal allograft function. Immunization is safe and does not appear to
affect renal allograft function.
