Addressing vaccination coverage among pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic period of increased vaccine hesitancy

Abstract

Pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients remain undervaccinated and at higher risk of vaccine preventable illness (VPI) than the general population. An American Society of Transplantation Pediatric Community of Practice Controversies Conference was held in October 2023 to discuss opportunities to improve vaccine uptake and decrease rates of VPI in this population. Undervaccination results from failures at different levels. Clinician misconceptions about when vaccines may be contraindicated often lead to delays, and vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices may not be readily available in subspecialty clinics involved in transplant care. Lack of linked electronic vaccine tracking and effective messaging also undermine vaccine administration efforts in this vulnerable population. While access and availability barriers along with provider knowledge gaps are important reasons for undervaccination in this population, vaccine hesitancy and refusal also can cause significant challenges. We suggest an individualized approach that prioritizes education and counseling about VPIs and vaccination in pediatric solid organ transplant candidates and recipients while still respecting parental autonomy within the clinician-patient-parent relationship.

Keywords: outbreak; pediatrics; solid organ transplantation; vaccine confidence; vaccine hesitancy; vaccine mandate; vaccine preventable illness.