American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the timing for completing the inactivated polio vaccination series before solid organ transplantation?

1. Before transplantation

2. Immediately

3. 6 months after transplantation

4. 3 months before transplantation

The correct answer is: Before transplantation

The completion of the inactivated polio vaccination series before solid organ transplantation is vital in ensuring that the patient has adequate immune protection against polio prior to undergoing the procedure. Since transplant recipients are typically immunosuppressed due to the medications they will receive post-transplantation, it is critical to have them fully vaccinated before the surgery. This ensures that they can mount an adequate immune response. The timing of vaccination is particularly important because certain vaccines may not be effective or could even pose a risk if administered after the patient has started immunosuppressive therapy. Therefore, completing the vaccination series before transplantation allows the body to develop immunity without interference from immunosuppressive drugs. Vaccination strategies for individuals awaiting solid organ transplants must prioritize establishing immunity to infectious diseases, as these patients are at a heightened risk of infection after the procedure. Thus, the best practice is to have the inactivated polio vaccination series completed before the transplant date to optimize the patient's immune status.