Exploring the mindset of kidney transplant recipients regarding COVID-19 vaccination: An insightful survey analysis

Background: Kidney transplant (KT) recipients are at risk of severe disease and high mortality from COVID-19, and vaccination offers some degree of protection. In this study, KT recipients' and controls' attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination were examined. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional survey-based study, the willingness and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines in KT recipients and a control group from the general population were assessed via questionnaire. Vaccine hesitancy was described as either not being fully vaccinated or vaccine refusal. Results: A total of 154 KT recipients and 172 controls completed the questionnaire. The rate of those who had received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine was similar in the two study groups (92.4 vs. 92.9%, p = 0.88). The proportion of those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 was significantly lower in the KT recipients (58.7 vs. 70.4% p = 0.033). Only 11 (7.1%) of the KT recipients refused the COVID-19 vaccination. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of vaccine refusal and vaccine hesitancy rates. Concerns about vaccine-related adverse events were common in both groups (63.6 vs. 53.8%; p = 0.488). Conclusion: Although participants showed a high willingness towards COVID-19 vaccination, the number of KT recipients who were fully vaccinated appears to be lower than controls. Concerns about vaccine-related adverse events were the main reason for avoiding vaccination. Healthcare personnel, particularly nephrologists and public health experts, must take a proactive role in addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring that patients receive the required protection against COVID-19.