Vaccination of hematopoietic cell transplantation adult recipients – guidelines of Infectious Diseases Working Group PALG

Abstract

Infections are the most serious complications in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Vaccinations occur to be undeniably one of the most important prophylactic strategies and are routinely recommended in the post-transplantation period. Their use reduces the incidence of infections and infection-related mortality. In this paper, we present the current guidelines for active immunization after HCT for the Polish patient population as worked out by the Polish Adult Leukemia Group (PALG). The guidelines include the recommended vaccines, the optional vaccines and vaccination with live pathogens. The management in specific situations such as graft versus host disease and for HCT recipients travelling to exotic countries is clarified. We also present the proposal for organization of the vaccination program in transplant centers. The improvement in realization of the vaccination protocol is one of the key aspects of post-transplantation care in Poland.