At UPMC Transplant Services, we recognize the importance of organ donation. We have been pioneers in the field for nearly 40 years and are committed to providing world-class care to our patients during every step of their transplant journey.
That commitment remains during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transplant patients may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they may have suppressed immune systems or serious underlying health conditions.
We are doing everything we can to protect them. We want to make sure they reach the end of their transplant journey healthier than they began.
Recommendations for transplant candidates and recipients:
Because transplant recipients have a weakened immune system, they may require more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. You should discuss with your transplant team the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses and boosters and the dosing interval that is recommended for you.
To schedule a vaccine dose at UPMC, visit Vaccine.UPMC.com or call the UPMC vaccination line at 844-876-2822 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
How Do I Receive the COVID Vaccine?
All transplant recipients are eligible for treatment if they develop COVID-19. A positive home test, rapid antigen test, or PCR test is required. Treatment must be initiated within five to seven days of symptom onset, so it is imperative that you test if you develop symptoms and that you notify your healthcare provider immediately. Treatment options currently include the oral medications Paxlovid™* and molnupiravir, and intravenous infusions of remdesivir. Your healthcare provider will determine the best treatment for you. Because Paxlovid interacts with several anti-rejection medications, it is imperative that you notify your transplant team if you are prescribed this medication.
There are no monoclonal antibodies available at the moment for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19. New formulations of antibodies that are effective against the currently circulating COVID-19 subvariants are being developed.
* Paxlovid is a trademark of Pfizer.
If you need an organ transplant, you may need to visit us for treatment before surgery, for the surgery itself, or after your procedure.
If you do need to come in for an appointment, we are taking every step to keep you safe.
We are following all recommendations from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
To find out more about what we're doing to provide care and keep you safe from COVID-19, visit upmc.com/COVID19.
It's safe to make a doctors appointment and undergo a procedure.
We have updated our facility policies to provide necessary protection to patients and staff, rolling out extensive precautions.
Before your appointment, talk to your doctor about what to expect on your visit, including:
You must wear a facemask to enter our facilities and continue to wear it throughout the building. We also ask that you follow COVID-19 preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and proper social distancing.
More than ever, we're working to protect you. You can count on us.
Your health information, right at your fingertips. Select MyUPMC to access your UPMC health information. For patients of UPMC-affiliated doctors in Central Pa, select UPMC Central Pa Portal. Patients of UPMC Cole should select the UPMC Cole Connect Patient Portal.
The portal for all UPMC patients EXCEPT those in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC patients in Central Pa.
The portal for UPMC Cole patients receiving inpatient care.
