Now that your transplant is over, you'll want to take steps to protect your health long-term. It's important for you to be an active, informed member of your healthcare team for the rest of your life.
Post-Transplant Care Guidelines
The Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research has developed guidelines for follow up care after transplant. These guidelines specify tests and exams you should have six months, one year and annually after transplant. Review these with your transplant doctor to determine if any modifications to these guidelines are appropriate for you.
Share these guidelines with all of your doctors including dentists, ophthalmologists and other specialists. You should follow these guidelines, even if you are feeling healthy, for the rest of your life.
Guidelines for Pediatric Patients
The Children's Oncology Group has created long-term follow-up guidelines for survivors of childhood, adolescent and young adult cancers. Because children have not yet fully developed, the frequency and type of follow-up tests they need long-term can differ from adult survivors.
Re-vaccination after Transplant
After a stem cell transplant, antibodies provided by vaccines you previously received may no longer be effective. Unless you are re-vaccinated, you will be at risk for developing a preventable disease.
Consensus guidelines developed by an international team of transplant centers recommend that patients be re-vaccinated for the following diseases after transplant:
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- acellular pertussis
- pneumococcal disease
- haemophilus
- influenza
- measles
- mumps
- rubella
- meningococcal disease
- polio
- hepatitis B
The appropriate timing of these re-vaccinations will vary depending on your particular medical situation. Consult your transplant team about the revaccination schedule that is appropriate for you.
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Next Page: Building a Family after Transplant
Updated August, 2023
