American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the recommended timing for administering Tdap prior to solid organ transplantation?

1. 3 months after transplantation

2. Before transplantation

3. At the time of transplantation

4. 6 months post-transplantation

The correct answer is: Before transplantation

The recommended timing for administering Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) vaccination prior to solid organ transplantation is before transplantation. This timing is crucial because the immunosuppressive therapy that patients undergo after transplantation can significantly reduce their ability to mount an effective immune response to vaccines. Administering Tdap before the procedure ensures that the patient can develop a strong immune response to the vaccine, offering protection against these diseases when the patient is most vulnerable post-transplant. Vaccination prior to transplantation allows time for the immune system to respond and generates protective antibodies, which is essential for the patient's long-term health and safety. Post-transplant administration of vaccines is generally less effective, as the patient's immune system is suppressed and may not respond adequately to the vaccine. Thus, timing the Tdap vaccination before the transplantation procedure aligns with best practices for infection prevention in immunocompromised patients.