COMPLICATIONS - INFECTIONS

W.R. Mulley¹, K. Visvanathan¹, K.R. Polkinghorne¹, R.L. Stuart¹, M.C. Lewicki¹, J. Kanellis^2
1Department Of Nephrology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton/AUSTRALIA, ²Nephrology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton/VIC/AUSTRALIA

Body: Introduction: The current H1N1 influenza worldwide pandemic has resulted in significant mortality and morbidity. The 2009 influenza vaccine available in Australia did not cover this variant. In late 2009 a “Swine Flu” vaccine was generated and recommended by local and international organisations for renal transplant recipients (RTRs). We aimed to measure variations in serological responses to the vaccine in a renal transplant population. Methods: We offered the H1N1 vaccine to our RTR cohort. Patients were vaccinated as outpatients between 10/2009-12/2009. Others patients chose to receive the vaccine from their family doctor. The vaccine was presented in a 5 or 10 dose, multi-dose vial. Demographic and clinical parameters were recorded for patients vaccinated at our clinics. Blood was collected for: anti-H1N1 antibody titres at vaccination and 1mth later; vitamin D levels; and white cell counts. Results: Of our 526 RTRs, 323 (61%) received the H1N1 vaccine (Panvax 15mcg/dose (CSL)) during the study period (see table). 193/226 that we vaccinated had the initial blood test with 162/193 having the second. Median time since transplantation was 55mths (range 1.6-330mths). There were no major side-effects noted and no incidents reported relating to the use of multi-dose vials. Interestingly 153 pts (79%) had low vitamin D levels with 31 (16%) being critically low. Serological responses are currently being assessed. Conclusions: The majority of our RTRs were willing to receive the H1N1 vaccine based on recommendations of transplant authorities despite uncertainty surrounding the likelihood of a protective sero-response. The vaccine was safely administered by appropriately trained nursing staff. Efficacy of this vaccine will soon be established and will guide further vaccination recommendations to patients.

Disclosure: All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.