Revaccination
Around 6 months after transplant, the immune system may be strong enough to begin receiving vaccines again. This process helps rebuild protection against common infections, especially those you were vaccinated for before transplant. However, timing depends on your recovery—patients with GVHD or those on extended immunosuppression may need to wait longer.
Why it matters
Transplant wipes out previous immunity—your body needs to relearn how to fight infections
Vaccines help protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia, flu, measles, and COVID-19
A timely schedule reduces risk as you re-enter school, work, or public spaces
What I Wish I Knew
That revaccination is a multi-step process, not a one-time event
That live vaccines may be off-limits depending on immune status
That tracking symptoms and lab results helps guide timing
That it’s okay to ask for reminders, summaries, or written plans
Questions to Ask
When can I safely start vaccines again?
Which vaccines come first, and which are delayed?
Will GVHD or my medications affect the schedule?
Are there any vaccines I should avoid or repeat?
Helpful Tips
Ask your care team for a personalized vaccine timeline
Keep a vaccine tracker to stay organized
Let schools or workplaces know about your immune status
Be patient—some vaccines may be delayed based on your immune recovery
Disclaimer: This Journey Map is for educational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique, and care decisions should always be made in consultation with your clinical team.
We extend our appreciation to Sanofi and Alexion for their generous partnership and active participation in our community. Their support helped bring patients, caregivers, clinicians, and industry partners together to co-create this Journey Map and improve the transplant experience.
Our Journey Map was created for Patients and Caregivers by Patients and Caregivers. Please share any corrections or additions!