22 Sept 2023 • Looks like Louis Pasteur knew what was coming at us in the 20th and 21st centuries, because way back in 1854 he said,

'In the field of observation, chance favour's only those who are prepared'

What did he mean?🤷‍♂️

Dr. Vijayalakshmi begins the session on 'Vaccination in the Immunocompromised' with this powerful statement by Pasteur to shine light on where we stand at the vaccination armamentarium and its potential in eradicating diseases in the coming future.⏳

As we look at the history of epidemics starting with the Antoine Plague in AD 165, The Great Plagues of the 17th and 18th centuries, all the way up to the present era of HIV, SARS, Ebola and the Covid - 19 pandemic, we need to pause and think, 'What saved humanity from these ravaging diseases?'🤔

Proper Sanitation and Vaccination

While good hygiene🧹 plays a quintessential role in keeping disease causing pathogens away, vaccinations💉 are key in providing an extra shield of protection to the vulnerable human population, because clearly, history has proven that innate immunity is not enough.😷

There are guidelines in place for immunization of adults ranging from 19 to ≥65 years, however as clinicians👩‍⚕️, we need to understand the immunization protocol for a certain subset of our patients that are particularly susceptible: the Immunocompromised

This group includes HIV infected individuals, Transplant recipients, Asplenic patients, Pregnant women and patients with immunodeficiency or complement disorders.

Lets take a look at some of the guidelines for the immunocompromised population:

• COVID vaccines and Influenza vaccines are mandatory for all
• Pneumococcal vaccines may be given to all, however PCV 15 is preferred over PPSV 23 in transplant recipients.
• MMR and Varicella vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy, organ transplant recipients and HIV- infected individuals.
• Hib vaccines may be given to asplenic patients and transplant individuals.
• Hep A, Hep B and Meningococcal vaccines are only indicated in view of an outbreak

But you might be wondering, 'Can I administer a vaccine to my patient who is currently on immunosuppressive therapy?'🧐

Good question!

Find out right here on Medflix💛

Click here to watch the replay of Immunosuppression and Vaccination: Best Practices and New Insights by Dr. Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan