transplant rejection and antibodies from vaccinations

[sullidog]

My dialysis center is wanting me to get the hepatitis serious because my antibodies are low. My concern is I'm about to have my transplant evaluation and I'm concerned that if I get it it will raise my antibodies. Do you guys think I should get it done? What impact would this have on transplant rejection.
Troy



Edited: Fixed error in subject line - okarol/admin

[okarol]

I don't understand why your antibodies would change due to the immunization.

Jenna got the HepB series before her transplant as well as the meningococcal vaccination to prevent meningitis. She also had to be up-to-date on her flu shot.

Kidney transplant patients have a weaker response to influenza immunization than healthy individuals, especially in the first six months after receiving a transplant because their immune system is reduced. But it's still recommended.

[jennyc]

the thing you really want to watch for is blood transfusions.
If i were you I'd definately get the Hep shot. You are around blood and bodily fluid at each D session, i don't think vaccinations affect the antibodies that way. besides rejection is generally treatable (trust me, had it in first week, 3 weeks later.... all clear in biopsy)

[Chris]

I agree, get the Hep shot. I got my last dose and the next day had my transplant. I would have had to wait then to get it and would have been at further risk due to the blood transfusions I had during and afterwards of the transplant.
 
Maybe the nurse did not explain it correctly. My dialysis center had pamphlets for us to read and take home. The Hepatitis vaccine is common in dialysis centers due to all the blood work that goes on there. It is for your protection.

[jbeany]

My transplant center required the vaccine for hep - you don't get on their list without it.

[sullidog]

Thanks guys that helps answers my questions. Our nurses don't do a very good job at explaining things, especially to someone who can't see.
Troy

[RichardMEL]

down here it's manditory to get the hep B vaccination when you start D. The first shot is done your first session, the next one a week later, and the booster 6 months on(IIRC). They do it because of the risk in the D clinic (all that blood etc) and for your own good. I don't think it's an issue for any kind of transplant evaluation. Certainly here it's a given.

[Romona]

I had the Hep series for my job years ago. As part of my transplant work up I had to be tested to see if I was still protected. Sometimes the shots don't work.

[paris]

I had to get the hepB series to be active on the "list". 

[monrein]

I had to get Hep shots to be in the self care dialysis unit.   Then when transplant came along that was already done.