Coronavirus

You can receive a transplant whether you have had the Covid-19 vaccination or not, as long as you are eligible. Being on the active waiting-list for a transplant is dependent, not on vaccination status, but a range of clinical factors.

When it comes to donation, you can also be an organ donor regardless of whether you have received the vaccine.

We would always advise people to have the vaccination if possible, as it gives people the best chance of protection against the most severe consequences of Covid.

We continue to work in partnership across the UK and the NHS to increase the number of organ donors and the number of successful transplants.

There is no known transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) through organ donation in the UK. 

Every potential organ donor is being tested for COVID-19. If someone has died of COVID-19 they will not be able to donate.

Everyone who is offered vaccination is encouraged to accept it to protect themselves and others.

There have not been any transmissions of coronavirus through organ donation in the UK. If someone has died of COVID-19 they will not be able to donate.

Contact your transplant centre if you have questions about an upcoming transplant or need advice.

The successful roll out of effective COVID – 19 vaccinations have significantly reduced the numbers of patients suffering serious illness and death from COVID – 19 this includes organ transplant recipients. 

NHS Blood and Transplant and the British Transplant Society wholeheartedly support COVID – 19 vaccinations and encourage organ transplant recipients to receive every booster dose offered to them.  

COVID – 19 vaccinations do not reduce the risk of becoming infected with COVID – 19. So even if your vaccinated you may become infected with COVID – 19. 

If organ transplant recipients become infected with COVID – 19, they are entitled to anti-viral treatments.

Should you become infected with COVID - 19 please follow the guidance provided by your transplant team to inform the appropriate healthcare professionals to identify the anti-viral treatment you require. 

The latest government COVID - 19 advice can be viewed here