COVID‐19 vaccination timing and kidney transplant waitlist management: An international perspective

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for solid organ transplant programs worldwide. The aim of this study is to assess an international perspective on challenges faced by kidney transplant programs. Methods We administered an electronic survey instrument from January 3, 2021 to June 8, 2021 to staff at transplant programs outside the United States that comprised of 10 questions addressing the management of kidney transplant candidates with asymptomatic COVID‐19 infection or unvaccinated who receive an organ offer. Results Respondents (n = 62) represented 19 countries in five continents. Overall, 90.3% of respondents encourage vaccination on the waiting list and prior to planned living donor transplant. Twelve percent of respondents reported that they have decided to inactivate unsensitized candidates (calculated panel reactive antibody, cPRA