Navigating the Complexities of Vaccination in Immunocompromised Patients: Balancing Protection and Risk
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63501/kct62b09Keywords:
Immunocompromised Patinets, Vaccination, COVID-19Abstract
Objective: To examine the unique challenges and opportunities involved in vaccinating immunocompromised individuals, particularly in light of emerging infectious threats and evolving vaccine technologies. This study seeks to evaluate current evidence on vaccine performance, safety considerations, and implementation barriers, and to propose strategies for improving immunization coverage and outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, encompassing peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to 2025 and official guidelines from global health authorities, including the CDC, WHO, and national immunization bodies. Emphasis was placed on studies involving solid organ transplant recipients, patients undergoing chemotherapy or B-cell depleting therapies, and those with autoimmune or primary immunodeficiency disorders. Topics reviewed included immunogenicity, adverse events, live versus non-live vaccine selection, timing of administration, and the role of monoclonal antibody prophylaxis.
Results: Vaccination responses in immunocompromised patients are highly variable and often suboptimal due to impaired immune activation. Studies demonstrated markedly lower seroconversion rates and shortened duration of protection, especially in those receiving immunosuppressive medications. Non-live vaccines, particularly mRNA-based platforms, were preferred due to superior safety profiles. Adjunctive use of monoclonal antibodies like tixagevimab/cilgavimab has shown promising efficacy for pre-exposure prophylaxis. Personalized schedules, incorporating pre-treatment vaccination and periodic antibody testing, emerged as key to optimizing protection. Systemic challenges such as fragmented care coordination, lack of electronic tracking, and limited patient education were also highlighted.
Conclusion: Effective vaccination of immunocompromised patients demands individualized, evidence-informed strategies. Multidisciplinary care models, improved use of digital health tools, equitable access policies, and culturally sensitive patient engagement are essential to closing the immunization gap.
References
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