Which vaccine should a transplant patient avoid following surgery?

Transplant patients typically have compromised immune systems due to the medications they must take to prevent organ rejection. The smallpox vaccine is a live vaccine, which means it contains a weakened form of the virus. For patients with weakened immune systems, receiving a live vaccine like the smallpox vaccine can pose significant health risks, including the potential for developing the disease or experiencing severe side effects.

In contrast, the pneumonia vaccine, influenza shot, and hepatitis B vaccine are generally recommended for transplant recipients, as they can help protect against infections that these patients are particularly vulnerable to. Vaccination for these diseases is crucial for maintaining health post-transplant, as infections can be serious and even life-threatening for these individuals.