This is the most important point. The same drugs necessary to reduce the risk of transplant rejection also compromise the immune system against communicable illnesses, from the flu to the common cold to CoVid.
Another reason to receive vaccines before a transplant is that immunocompromised people do not develop antibodies as readily from vaccines. Vaccines are more effective to prevent illness before the immunosuppression drugs are prescribed.
Lastly, transplant recipients should not receive live vaccines (eg nasal flu vaccine).
Right. I’m taking two immunosuppressants, two antibiotics, and two anti-clotting meds, as well as a few others, and I’ve been doing good. I just wonder if I’m pressing my luck. I’ll see my Hepatologist in a few weeks and put that question to him.