A Systematic Review of Safety and Immunogenicity of Influenza Vaccination Strategies in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Abstract

Immunogenicity from seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) remains suboptimal in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR). We conducted a systematic review that compared the safety and immunogenicity of non-standard influenza vaccination strategies to single dose IIV in SOTR. Booster dose(s) and possibly high dose (HD) influenza vaccination strategies appear to hold promise for improving vaccination immunogenicity in SOTR. Administration of intradermal and MF59-adjuvanted trivalent IIV (IIV3) did not improve vaccine immunogenicity compared to single dose intramuscular IIV. Alternative vaccine strategies were generally well-tolerated; a higher frequency of injection site reactions and systemic adverse events were noted in SOTR who received HD, intradermal or adjuvanted IIV3 and HD IIV3 respectively. Allograft rejection rates were similar in both groups. SOTR should continue to receive standard dose IIV annually in accordance to current recommendations pending future studies to determine the optimal timing, frequency and dose(s) of IIV using the booster dose strategy.