Colorado woman to receive no more kidney transplant after not receiving COVID-19 vaccine

A Colorado woman will no longer receive a kidney transplant after confirming she will not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, in violation of the UCHealth hospital system’s vaccination protocol, the Associated Press reported on Friday.

Leilani Lutali, a born again Christian, told the AP she opposes the use of fetal cell lines in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“As a Christian, I cannot support anything that has to do with abortion of babies, and the sanctity of life for me is precious,” said Lutali.

According to UCLA Health, fetal lineage cells were used in vaccine tests from Pfizer and Moderna to see if their vaccines were effective, while Johnson & Johnson used fetal lineage cells in the development and production of their vaccine. .

The AP noted that the cells used today are not the original ones that were first taken from fetal tissue, but clones.

UCHealth, based in Aurora, Colo., Told The Hill in a statement earlier this week that in “almost all situations” transplants and living donors should be vaccinated against COVID-19 “in addition to responding to other health requirements and to receive additional vaccinations. “

Dan Weaver, spokesperson for UCHealth, explained that studies indicated that the Death rates of transplant recipients who contract the virus are high.

“A large study found that kidney transplant patients who contracted COVID-19 had a death rate of 21%. Other studies have found death rates ranging from 18% to 32% for transplant recipients who have acquired COVID-19. The rate for all those who have tested positive is 1.6%, “Weaver said in a statement.” This is why it is essential that the recipient and the living donor be vaccinated and take other precautions before undergo a transplant. “

Weaver also noted that transplant patients previously had other requirements.

“Transplant centers across the country, including the UCHealth Transplant Center, have specific requirements in place to protect patients during and after surgery. For example, patients may be required to receive vaccines, especially against hepatitis B, MMR and others, ”he said.

“Patients may also be required to avoid alcohol, quit smoking, or prove that they will be able to continue taking their anti-rejection medications long after their transplant surgery. These requirements increase the chances of a successful transplant and the patient will avoid rejection. ,” He continued.