Influenza immunization in hemodialyzed or kidney transplanted adolescents and young adults.

Aim: To clarify the immunogenicity and safety of influenza vaccine in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) on dialysis or who have received a kidney transplant.

Methods: Sixty adolescents and young adults with ESKD (25 on hemodialysis and 35 kidney transplant recipients) were randomized 1:1 to receive a traditional trivalent split virion vaccine (TIIV) or a virosome-adjuvanted trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (VATIIV). The immunogenicity and safety of the two vaccines was evaluated and compared with the findings observed in 30 healthy subjects of similar age and gender distribution who received TIIV.

Results: The results indicate that the immune response of the patients to TIIV and VATIIV were similar. The administered vaccines were safe and well tolerated, and no advantage was found with the use of VATIIV.

Conclusion: Given the potential clinical relevance of influenza in patients with ESKD, these findings support the official recommendation that they should receive annual influenza vaccinations.