At UPMC Transplant Services, we recognize the importance of organ donation. We have been pioneers in the field for nearly 40 years and are committed to providing world-class care to our patients during every step of their transplant journey.
That commitment remains during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transplant patients may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they may have suppressed immune systems or serious underlying health conditions.
We are doing everything we can to protect them. We want to make sure they reach the end of their transplant journey healthier than they began.
COVID-19 Vaccine for Transplant Recipients
Recommendations for Transplant Patients
- It is recommended that all transplant candidates, transplant recipients, and their household members receive vaccination when it is available to them.
- It is recommended that transplant candidates should be vaccinated more than two weeks prior to transplantation or starting 1-6 months after transplantation.
- Transplant candidates and recipients who had COVID-19 should still be vaccinated
- A CDC advisory committee recommends which patients should be among the first to be vaccinated. Transplant recipients are expected to be recommended for thee earlier vaccination groups.
Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine for Transplant Recipients (PDF)
How Do I Receive the COVID Vaccine?
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority at UPMC Transplant Services
If you need an organ transplant, you may need to visit us for treatment: before surgery, for the surgery itself, or after your procedure.
If you do need to come in for an appointment, we are taking every step to keep you safe.
We are following all recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- We screen patients and staff for COVID-19 exposure and symptoms.
- We have expanded our testing capacity for the coronavirus. Find out more about our testing procedures.
- We require all adults and children over 2 years old to wear facemasks at all times inside all UPMC facilities.
- We use hospital-grade disinfectants to extensively clean all of our facilities. We are especially focused on sanitizing high-touch areas like countertops and doorknobs.
- Our health care workers can provide expert care for any of your medical needs. We have enough supplies of masks, gowns, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them — and you — safe.
- To protect our patients and staff, and to limit the potential for the spread of infectious disease, we currently are restricting visitors and volunteers at UPMC facilities. See our updated policy.
To find out more about what we're doing to provide care and keep you safe from COVID-19, visit upmc.com/COVID19.
What to Expect During Your In-Person Transplant Visit
It's safe to make a doctor's appointment and undergo a procedure.
We have updated our facility policies to provide necessary protection to patients and staff, rolling out extensive precautions.
Before your appointment, talk to your doctor about what to expect on your visit, including:
- When to arrive.
- What to do when you get there.
- What you should bring.
You must wear a facemask to enter our facilities and continue to wear it throughout the building. We also ask that you follow COVID-19 preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and proper social distancing.
More than ever, we're working to protect you. You can count on us.
More UPMC Resources
- Schedule your appointment: To schedule an appointment, call the UPMC Referral Line at 1-800-533-8762 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or, you can request an appointment online.
- Video visits: To learn more about MyUPMC Video Visits, or to schedule one with your doctor or specialist, visit UPMC.com/VideoVisits.
- Visitor restrictions: We are currently restricting visitors at our locations to protect patients and staff. Find out more about our policy.
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