What are the Vaccination requirements for kidney donation?

Posted by savemymom @savemymom, Mar 24, 2022

I’m about to begin donor testing for donating a kidney to my mom. I’m 40 years old and have had Covid twice with very mild symptoms. I work in healthcare and have chosen to not take the Covid vaccine. This is not meant to be controversial but it was heavily suggested at my mom’s recipient evaluations that the donor is heavily encouraged to be vaccinated, including all boosters. My mother is vaccinated and will be required to be boosted as well even though we had not really wanted or planned to do so. This is not a complete deal breaker for me but it is heavy on my heart. I’m wondering if anyone one else that had not planned to be vaccinated was required to vaccinate and boost in order to be a kidney donor?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Transplants Support Group.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Mar 24, 2022

@savemymom, Welcome to Connect and Thank you for your willingness to begin the evaluation process to donate a kidney to your mom. I am a patient (liver and kidney transplant 2009). I do not know the answer to your question, nor am I in a position to make an assumption about it. Your best / only resource for your vaccination question is the transplant center where your mom will be receiving her transplant. Does your mom know that you are interested in being evaluated? She should check into this.
Have you started the application process yet?

savemymom | @savemymom | Mar 24, 2022

Yes we have discussed it. This was brought up with the dr when I went with her for her evaluations tests. I was just curious of others that had initially been reluctant to vaccinate but had to deal with the decision and following through with the vaccination in order to donate.

Rosemary, Volunteer Mentor | @rosemarya | Apr 21, 2022

@savemymom
I am thinking about you as I see news features about living organ donation during this month of April - Organ Donor Awareness Month. I hope you are well and that your mom is also doing well. Have you made any decision? Will you be moving ahead with evaluation for donation?