Maintaining mask momentum in transplant recipients

Abstract

The widespread use of facemasks has been a crucial element in the control of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. With mounting evidence for mask efficacy against respiratory infectious diseases and greater acceptability of this intervention, it is proposed that masking should continue after the pandemic has abated to protect some of our most vulnerable patients, recipients of stem cell and solid organ transplants. This may involve not only masking these high‐risk patients, but possibly their close contacts and the healthcare workers involved in their care. We review the evidence for mask efficacy in prevention of respiratory viruses other than SARS‐CoV‐2 and address the burden of disease in transplant recipients. Although we acknowledge that there are limited data on masking to prevent infection in transplant recipients, we propose a framework for the study and implementation of routine masking as a part of infection prevention interventions after transplantation.

COVID-19 and HSCT (Hematopoietic stem cell transplant)

“…Several sites have reported on successes in shifting transplant to home-based rather than hospital-based care [ 85 , 86 ]. Widespread routine masking has resulted in marked reduction in the spread of community respiratory virus infections in HSCT recipients, formerly a relatively frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in this population, with some calling to “maintain mask momentum” in this population in the post-pandemic era [ 87 , 88 ]. Undoubtedly there is much more we will learn from the pandemic, both with regard to how best to manage and mitigate COVID-19 in HSCT recipients, but also how best to approach post-transplant vaccinations and prevention of infection more broadly.…”

Evaluation of Immunogenicity to Three Doses of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine in Lung Transplant Patients

“…This could be explained by a T-cell response in the absence of humoral responses, and by more conscious use of non-pharmacological protective measures. Indeed, strong evidence has shown that routine masking protects against the spread of respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 [ 29 ]. However, more research is needed to determine the benefit of universal masking for SOT patients.…”