COVID-19 vaccine evaluation among solid organ transplant recipients at a single academic center

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) may have a higher risk of serious disease and death due to COVID-19. It is necessary to determine the main motivators and demotivators for SOTRs to receive COVID-19 vaccinations to improve patient education.

Methods

A voluntary and anonymous survey was created using questions adopted from the Center for Disease Control COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence: Rapid Community Assessment. Questions included demographics, vaccination status and opinions in multiple choice and free response format. The survey was distributed in July 2023 and was open for one month.

Results

A total of 127 SOTRs responded which included patients 18 years and older who received one of the following transplants: heart (12.6 %), lung(s) (37.01 %), liver (31.5 %), kidney (11.81 %), and liver and kidney (7.09 %). The overwhelming majority of respondents received a primary vaccination series (97.64 %). Among the vaccinated, 68.55 % received a bivalent booster vaccination and 32.28 % have received a second booster vaccination. The greatest motivating factors among vaccinated were “protecting my health” (84.68 %) “protecting the health of family and friends” (66.13 %), and “to protect the health of the community” (36.29 %). Only 3 SOTRs were unvaccinated, all of whom reported that they felt the vaccine was unsafe.

Conclusion

While the overwhelming majority of SOTRs were vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect their health and the health of others, a minority have hesitations about receiving booster vaccinations. Targeting patient education towards these concerns will improve the protection of the SOTR community.