Association Between SARS-CoV-2 Messenger RNA Vaccines and Lower Infection Rates in Kidney Transplant Recipients : A Registry-Based Report

Ann Intern Med. 2022 Jul;175(7):961-968. doi: 10.7326/M21-2973. Epub 2022 May 3.

Abstract

Background: The real-world protection provided by SARS-CoV-2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) remains uncertain.

Objective: To study the association between mRNA vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in KTRs.

Design: Retrospective observational cohort study.

Setting: The Czech Republic (17 February to 16 May 2021).

Patients: 2101 KTRs followed in the Department of Nephrology at the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine.

Measurements: Positive result for SARS-CoV-2 on polymerase chain reaction test and vaccination status of KTRs.

Results: The incidence rate in the vaccinated group was 0.474 per 1000 person-days (33 cases in 69 672 days at risk). The incidence rate in the unvaccinated group was 1.370 per 1000 person-days (79 cases in 57 658 days at risk). The unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR; incidence rate of vaccinated/incidence rate of unvaccinated) for KTRs was 0.346 (95% CI, 0.227 to 0.514). The multivariable adjusted IRR for KTRs was 0.544 (CI, 0.324 to 0.876).

Limitation: Retrospective observational design, uneven follow-up of patient groups, and different exposition to SARS-CoV-2 stemming from strong temporal trends and differences in clinical and probably behavioral characteristics.

Conclusion: Vaccination of KTRs is associated with lower risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Primary funding source: The Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Registries
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Vaccination
  • mRNA Vaccines

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • RNA, Messenger
  • mRNA Vaccines