COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy in Liver Transplant Recipients: New Study Results

Strategic Insights -

New research has shed light on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in liver transplant recipients, highlighting the importance of continued vaccination efforts amidst waning adherence to booster doses. The study, conducted at the University of Milan, Italy, evaluated the anti-spike antibody responses in vaccinated liver transplant recipients after two initial doses and at least one booster. The findings suggest that multiple doses of the COVID-19 vaccine lead to a continuous increase in anti-spike antibody responses, but adherence to further booster doses decreases over time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerability of immunocompromised individuals, including liver transplant recipients (LTRs), who often exhibit reduced vaccine immunogenicity.
  • While initial vaccine doses and subsequent boosters improved immune response, LTRs were prioritized for vaccination.
  • Studies have shown increased antibody response after each booster dose, but vaccine hesitancy poses a public health challenge, often fueled by misinformation.
  • LTRs showed a significant increase in anti-spike antibody responses after the first booster compared to the second dose, with a trend towards further increase following the fourth dose in a subgroup of patients receiving two booster doses.
  • However, adherence to booster doses decreased over time, with predictors of a weaker response after the second dose being chronic kidney disease and metabolic etiology at transplant.
  • The study concluded that continued vaccination efforts are essential to maintain antibody responses in LTRs and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • 60-80 days after each dose, anti-spike antibody levels were measured in LTRs.
  • Data on vaccination status were collected in January 2024.
  • The study included 40 LTRs who had received four or more doses of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna).
  • Anti-spike antibody responses were measured after two initial doses (Dose 1 and Dose 2), one booster dose, and a fourth dose in a subgroup of patients receiving two booster doses.

Sources:

  • Vaccines, 2025,13(4):352. (Vaccines - http://www.mdpi.com/journal/vaccines)
  • High Rate of Antibody Response to Multiple Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Liver Transplant Recipients: Analysis of Predictive Factors.
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Research from University of Milan Outlined (High Rate of Antibody Response to Multiple Doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine in Liver Transplant Recipients: Analysis of Predictive Factors). Blood Weekly. May 15, 2025; p 158.