Vaccinations.
The details and recommendations listed below are for a guideline only, if you are in any doubt ALWAYS check with the Coordinators first as with new drugs becoming available circumstances may change.
Vaccination advice for patients regarding Chicken Pox, Shingles.
Following your transplant it is important for you to stay as healthy as possible and free from infection. If you intend travelling abroad you should also ensure you have the appropriate immunisations if required.
Vaccinations.
You may need vaccines for several reasons. It is suggested that you do not have any vaccines for the first three months after your transplant. However, after three months you may need vaccines to travel, prevent flu, or a ‘booster’ to update you or your families’ immunity.
Winter Vaccines
Your GP will probably offer you the winter vaccinations which include the flu and pneumonia jab. If you want to have those you can. As your immune system is weakened due to the anti-rejection drugs it is recommended that you do have them.
Hepatitis Vaccine.
It will be recommended that you have Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccinations if you are not already immune to these viruses. You will normally be asked to start the vaccination course when you go on to the waiting list for the transplant.
If you do not complete the course before your transplant, you will be asked to continue it three months after your transplant.
Foreign Travel.
Your GP or practice nurse or the International Travel Section of the Department of Health (0800 555 7777
0800 555 7777) will be able to tell you what vaccinations are needed if you travel abroad.
Listed below are vaccines that you MUST NOT receive;
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BCG
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Yellow Fever
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MMR
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Smallpox
Those who have had liver Transplants CAN safely be given.
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Tetanus toxoid
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Inactivated polio vaccine
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Hepatitis B vaccine
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Hepatitis A vaccine
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Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
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Diphtheria
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Influenza
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Pertussis (whooping cough)
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Pneumococcal vaccine
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Cholera (in patients over 6 months old)
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Typhoid (in patients over 1 year of age)