The transplant team at the Mater Hospital have produced an information leaflet for Vaccinated transplant recipients on how to continue to avoid COVID-19 infection.

People with cystic fibrosis are urged to continue to follow the HSE Guidance for people at higher risk from COVID-19 to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Transplant patients should take additional precautions, as outlined in the Information leaflet and below, to  further prevent risk.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and death in immunocompetent people. However for people with weakened immune systems, such as those after a heart and/or lung transplant, the vaccine is less effective.

As you are more at risk of a severe infection than those who are not immunocompromised, it is important that you take additional steps to avoid infection regardless of easing of restrictions for the general public. This involves making choices about what you need to do and want to do to keep the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 as low as you can.

What can you and your family members and friends do to protect you from becoming infected with COVID-19?

• Covid-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people getting and spreading COVID-19. We strongly recommend that everyone in your family and close contacts who is eligible for vaccination should receive the vaccine as soon as possible.
• You can feel safer at home if everyone in the household is careful to follow public health advice when they go out.
• Try to keep the number of people who come into your house to a small circle of trusted family and friends.
• Ensure visitors are aware they should not visit if they have symptoms of infection or know they are a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
• Ask visitors to clean their hands when they arrive, to wear a mask and to keep a safe distance from you whenever possible.
• Limit or avoid visits with people who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
• People get COVID-19 from other people. It is important to keep the number of people you spend face to face time with as low as possible.
• Outdoor activities are safer than indoor ones. If you are indoors, choose a location that is well ventilated, for example a room with open windows, and know when to wear a mask.
• Avoid activities that make it hard to stay 2 metres from others.
• Limit or avoid visits with people who are not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.
• Remember to wear a mask, social distance and clean your hands regularly.

Can I travel abroad?

Any unnecessary foreign travel at this stage is not advised.

Will I need a COVID-19 booster vaccination?

It is likely that repeat vaccination (i.e. a “booster”) will be provided later this year. The details on this will be led by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and you will be contacted by the MMUH as further information becomes available.

What do I do if I develop symptoms that could be COVID-19 infection?

You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should contact your GP who will arrange assessment including testing. It is important to report any symptoms that could be COVID-19 to the transplant team before presenting to MMUH to  ensure you do not come in contact with other vulnerable patients.

What do I do if I am identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 infection?

If you are identified as a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 it is important you attend testing as arranged for you by Public Health. Please contact the transplant team also to receive advice on next steps. Avoid further contact with the COVID-19 case as much as possible while they are still infectious.