Affiliation:
1. Department of Nephrology St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Fitzroy Victoria Australia
2. Department of General Medicine St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Fitzroy Victoria Australia
3. Department of Medicine The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia
Abstract
AbstractAimTo study COVID‐19 vaccination status in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs), reasons for incomplete vaccination and the clinical impact of vaccination on patient outcomes.MethodsA single‐centre retrospective analysis of KTR (n = 543) conducted between 1970 and December 2022. Data included baseline demographics, number of vaccinations, reason for incomplete vaccination and patient outcomes following COVID‐19 infection. A completed course of COVID‐19 vaccination was defined as four or more vaccine doses. Exclusion criteria: those deceased prior December 2019, managed by another health service, failed graft, or deceased secondary to non‐COVID cause.Results273 of 543 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 58.1 ± 12.2 years, 66% were male. 58.2% of patients were fully vaccinated, 22.7% received three doses, 7.7% received two doses, 0.7% received one dose, 0.7% received zero doses, and 10% incomplete records. The most common reasons for incomplete vaccination were COVID‐19 infection, concern for side effects, and patient unawareness of booster recommendations. Vaccination uptake was greater in Australian born patients compared with those born overseas, odds ratio 0.40 (95% CI 0.23–0.69). KTR with incomplete vaccination had poorer outcomes, higher rate of AKI, long COVID, and increased hospitalization.ConclusionThe majority of KTR were fully vaccinated. KTR with incomplete vaccination status had poorer outcomes with COVID‐19 infection and other issues. Patient education is a major area for improvement targeting patients born overseas and better information regarding side effects. Potential interventions need to address improved communication, cultural relevancy, and language.image