Additional Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Immunocompromised People
We are offering vaccination appointments for some people with weakened immune systems.
All individuals ages 6 months and older are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
For convenience and ease of scheduling, UI Health Care is offering vaccination appointments available through self-scheduling online and via MyChart.
Many other local pharmacies are also providing COVID-19 vaccines.
Weighing the risks and benefits of getting vaccinated is important. While there is not yet data available on the COVID-19 vaccine in transplant recipients, it is believed that the benefits of vaccination outweigh any potential risks for transplant recipients. You should discuss your options with your provider.
We encourage transplant patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to discuss your options with your transplant nurse coordinator and your provider.
It is important for transplant recipients to continue to follow all current safety guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19 after vaccination.
We do not believe that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine would trigger organ rejection or other major illness that could jeopardize your organ.
A team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has initiated a study focusing on transplant recipients who get the vaccine. All solid organ transplant recipients who intend to get the COVID-19 vaccine are invited to enroll in this national observational study looking at antibody development and durability after vaccination. Results from this study will provide important guidance to transplant recipients, many of whom are currently reluctant to get the vaccine given its novelty.
Participation in the study involves at-home, painless capillary blood sampling before and after vaccination and the completion of several short surveys (vaccine side effects, impact of allergies). Initial information generated from this study should be available in February-March of 2021 followed by more extensive information planned for publication throughout 2021.
We strongly encourage transplant candidates to get the COVID-19 vaccine prior to the time of transplant to allow for time for your body to develop antibodies against the virus. A vaccination is not required to receive a transplant at UI Health Care.
You should discuss this with your transplant nurse coordinator before making any decisions.
WALK-IN COVID-19 VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE
Walk-in vaccinations are available for people age 18 and older at UI Hospitals & Clinics between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Pomerantz Family Pavilion Level 2 Pharmacy. Take Elevator L to Level 2.
If walking in isn’t a convenient option for you, you can also schedule your vaccination in advance at UI Health Care–Iowa River Landing.