American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

How often should individuals receive the inactivated influenza vaccine following solid organ transplantation?

1. Every month

2. Every six months

3. Annually

4. Every two years

The correct answer is: Annually

Individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation are at a heightened risk for infections, including influenza. The inactivated influenza vaccine is recommended for these patients to help bolster their immune response against the virus. Following solid organ transplantation, the body may have a reduced ability to mount an adequate immune response, necessitating the annual vaccination to ensure optimal protection. Vaccination should ideally occur once a year, ideally before influenza season, to maintain immunity over time. This annual schedule allows for updated vaccine formulations that are tailored to the most prevalent strains of influenza each year, enhancing the effectiveness of the vaccine in this vulnerable population. Hence, individuals should receive the inactivated influenza vaccine annually to provide ongoing protection against influenza, aligning with current medical guidelines for post-transplant care.