What is the purpose of this study?
The purpose of this study is to examine levels of COVID-19 antibodies in organ transplant recipients who have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine. This knowledge will lead to a better understanding of how effectively the vaccine can help transplant patients get immunity.

The study does not provide the vaccine, and study team members will not be offering guidance as to whether or not one should receive a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. If you will be receiving a vaccine and are interested in the study, we will collect a blood sample before vaccination, and collect samples at sequential time points after vaccination.

What is known about immunity to COVID-19?
The immune response, including if you would be protected from getting re-infected (either after getting the infection or the vaccine) is not yet fully understood.

Where can I go for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine?
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines

What does the study involve?
This study will involve the completion of a short survey focusing on COVID-19 and at-home, do-it-yourself blood collection which is designed to be simple and painless.

Due to the high interest and volume of participants already currently enrolled, we have already reached full capacity in sending out blood collection kits. However, we would like to offer you a free LabCorp blood draw instead. We understand that not all participants are able to visit a LabCorp and we apologize for the inconvenience.

See this video for how to collect your own blood: https://youtu.be/iXQ1Z3Z-5O0

How often will I be tested for antibodies?
You will be tested for antibodies prior to receiving the first vaccine dose (if applicable), in-between the two doses for Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and then 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year from the last vaccine dose.

What are the eligibility criteria?
Recipient of an organ transplant, 18+ years old, English-speaking, intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available

Can I participate if I had COVID-19 already?
Yes

Can I participate if I have already received the COVID-19 vaccine?
If you have received the full vaccine series, you are no longer eligible to participate

How do I participate?
Fill out a short online form (below), which will determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, then you will be contacted by our study team with further instructions on how to complete the survey and the blood collection once you get your vaccine. No in-person study visits will be required.

Will I receive my results?
Yes, as soon as we test your blood, we will share your results with you.

What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins that are part of our immune system whose job it is to eliminate invaders, such as the virus that causes COVID-19.

Who has COVID-19 antibodies?
We expect anyone who has either been infected by or vaccinated for, the virus that causes COVID-19 to have antibodies against the virus. However, what is unknown is the level of antibody that is necessary to confer immunity.

Antibody levels do not necessarily imply protection; it is important to continue safety measures (mask wearing, social distancing) even if you develop COVID-19 antibodies.

Could I have COVID-19 antibodies without being infected by the virus?
Yes. In theory, your body creates COVID-19 antibodies after vaccination.

I have received convalescent plasma, Regeneron, or some other “antibody-based” therapy for COVID-19. Can I still participate?
Yes

Why are you studying transplant recipients?
Transplant recipients may be less likely to mount a durable immune response due to the medications that are required to intentionally suppress the immune system. Also, transplant recipients are often prevented from participating in vaccine trials. We hope to bridge this knowledge gap and learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in transplant recipients.