Transplant patients in a spin over demand they are double vaxxed

Queensland transplant recipients will be denied the life-saving surgery if they are not fully vaccinated against Covid-19 – even if they fear possible side effects.

Queenslanders will not receive a life-saving organ transplant until they are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and the new protocols have sent patients desperate for surgery into a spin.

Queensland Kidney Transplant Service has endorsed a minimum requirement of two doses prior to receiving a kidney, lung or heart transplant.

Patients, who say they are not anti-vax, have told The Courier-Mail that they remain unvaccinated as they fear they will be hit with side effects that will make them even more ill as they endure dialysis and other harsh treatments.

Queensland Health has confirmed that the decision was backed by clinicians, consumer and Indigenous representatives at a Statewide Renal Network clinical forum. Any unvaccinated renal patients will move to “on hold” until they are fully vaccinated or the policy is changed. The policy will reviewed in February 2022.

A spokesman said that the safety and wellbeing of all patients was the priority.

Kidney patient Dana Ward (left) with carer Abbey Wood. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“A recipient is highly immunosuppressed post-transplant, which is why it’s incredibly important for the person to be vaccinated prior to transplant. Queensland Health prioritises safety before, during and after a transplant,” he said.

Dana Ward, 23, from the Gold Coast said she is at loggerheads with her Brisbane specialist over the vaccine decision. Ms Ward had a pancreas and kidney transplant in 2009 but her body has rejected the kidney and she is now on dialysis.

“I have been told that if I received a kidney and then got Covid it would be a waste of an organ. I even have a donor ready to go but it’s been made clear nothing will go ahead until I am fully vaccinated,” Ms Ward, who suffers from primary hyperoxaluria, said.

“Because of my ill health I have always been hyper careful of what I put in my body. I am definitely not anti-vax but am afraid of the Covid vaccine side effects. I am backed into a corner now and probably have to go ahead with the vaccine,” she said.

Helen Oberthur, 44, needs a kidney and pancreas transplant but her doctor told her it is unlikely to happen as she is unvaccinated for Covid-19. Picture: Brad Fleet

Helen Oberthur, 44, from Brisbane, has stage four kidney disease and has not had her Covid shots.

“I have had every other vaccine including the flu and it’s not been good. I have ended up so sick I had to get someone to look after my son. I am not good with vaccinations and feel like I am cornered. I think it is blatant discrimination to deny me a place on a waiting list because of this. I just found out about the new policy this week and feel overwhelmed by it all,” she said.

Tamara McCarthy said she was shocked when her son’s specialist told her last week that her 18 year old would have to get his Covid jabs to remain on the transplant list.

“He is very young and had all his vaccinations as a child but he is scared to have the jabs. He has read a lot about the risks of myocarditis. Dialysis is allowing him to still live his life as a young man but what if he has a bad reaction? Of course he wants a new kidney. He wants to live a long life but this decision has been devastating. He will have to take his chances with the vaccine,” the Ipswich mother said.

“Don’t doctors take an oath to treat people in all circumstances. He is not some raving anti-vaxxer, just a scared boy,” she said.

Transplant Australia has spent the past 18 months advocating for organ recipients and those waiting for a transplant because of their compromised immune status to be given early access to vaccination.

Chief executive Chris Thomas said: “We are pleased the Federal Government has prioritised this group of Australians. Transplant Australia is very sympathetic to the concerns of anyone waiting for a transplant. It is an extremely troubling time for patients as we are still waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel from this pandemic.

“We hope all patients waiting for a transplant are given all the information and time necessary to make an informed decision regarding vaccination. We note that vaccination is not the only factor as to whether someone remained on a waiting list. Often they might need to give up smoking, quit alcohol consumption or lose weight and in that context vaccination is really just another prerequisite to achieving transplantation.

“There are very few reasons for medical exemption to vaccination. We strongly encourage all recipients and those waiting for a transplant to reach out to the helping hand they are being offered to beat this pandemic and achieve a long life with a transplant.”

HEALTH RESTRICTIONS FOR THE UNVACCINATED

• Can’t visit residential aged care, hospitals and disability accommodation.
• Exceptions for end-of-life visits, childbirth or emergency situations
• Medical care will not be denied
• You can still see GP
• Medical exemptions on paper or electronic must be provided