# Assessment of vaccination rates and motivation among transplant patients using vaccination cards and interviews

## TL;DR

This study examines vaccination rates and motivation among transplant patients using vaccination cards and interviews, finding low vaccination coverage and a need for better patient education.

## Contribution

The study introduces a combined method of vaccination card analysis and semi-structured interviews to assess vaccination status and motivation in transplant patients.

## Key findings

- Only 64.3% of transplant patients had complete standard vaccinations.
- Hepatitis B vaccination rates were significantly higher in kidney than liver transplant recipients.
- Vaccination confidence was strongly correlated with willingness to vaccinate.

## Abstract

Transplant patients are at an elevated risk for infections. Therefore, infection prevention plays a pivotal role in their care. Two different approaches were chosen to determine their vaccination status and motivation. The vaccination rate was determined by analyzing the patients’ vaccination cards based on German vaccination recommendations. The vaccinations were categorized into standard, indicated, and risk-dependent vaccinations. The vaccination motivation was determined through a semi-structured interview using a self-developed questionnaire as an interview guide. Both parts were analyzed separately. A total of 126 patients were included in the study. In 115 (91.3%) patients, vaccination cards were available, 64.3% had complete standard and 0.9% indicated vaccinations. In the risk-dependent vaccinations category, 49.6% of participants had at least one of the additional vaccinations. The vaccination rate against hepatitis B was significantly higher in kidney than in liver transplant recipients (88.1% vs. 55.4%, Χ2 = 13.7, p < 0.001, n = 107). Vaccination confidence correlated significantly with willingness to vaccinate (r = 0.362, p < 0.001, n = 123). In conclusion, only a few transplant patients have complete vaccination protection. Further patient education is needed to increase patients’ confidence in vaccinations and to motivate them.