SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: Safety and Immunogenicity in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and Strategies for Improving Vaccine Responses

Purpose of Review While solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at the highest risk for severe complications and increased mortality from COVID19 disease, their vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 remains challenging due to fear of immune-mediated adverse events and suboptimal immune response. Our current review is aimed to summarize current knowledge about the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, describe factors that are correlated with immune response, and discuss strategies to improve vaccine immunogenicity in SOT recipients. Recent Findings SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are safe in SOT recipients and not related to rejection or other major adverse events. The immune response to two doses of vaccine is suboptimal and correlated to age and magnitude of immunosuppression. Administration of a third vaccine dose brings to significant amplification of immune response. This review strengthens the existing recommendation of vaccination by three doses of vaccine in all SOT recipients and completion of vaccination before transplantation if possible.

Automated summary

This review highlights the safety and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and explores factors influencing immune response. It emphasizes the significant amplification of immune response with a third vaccine dose and the importance of completing vaccination before transplantation when possible.