Vaccination status in pediatric liver transplant candidates

Infection is a recognized and potentially serious complication in children following solid organ transplantation. This problem is particularly important for young children undergoing any organ transplantation who often have not completed standard childhood immunizations at the time of transplantation and who are therefore at risk for vaccine-preventable infections. To evaluate the vaccination status in liver transplant candidates, vaccination charts of 100 patients who were referred to Organ Transplant Center of Nemazee Hospital were reviewed and the vaccination status considered appropriate according to the recommendation of NIP and the patients' age. Fifty-eight percent of patients were completely vaccinated for HBV, 85% for OPV, 97% for BCG, 63% for DTP, and 58% of the patients were completely vaccinated for MMR. We concluded that the vaccination charts should be periodically reviewed and updated to prevent the vaccine-preventable disease in liver transplant candidates not only before but also after transplant. Every effort should be made to assure that candidates are immunized early in the course of their disease. Also it may be indicated to recommend a special guideline for immunization of liver transplant candidates and add other vaccines such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccine to their vaccination program.