As the world continues to gain a better understanding of COVID-19 and ever present and new variants, Global Liver Institute wants to ensure that we are here to continue to guide, educate, and support the liver cancer community and other immunocompromised patients.

As we enter a third calendar year marked by COVID-19, the Omicron variant has caused pandemic peaks in cases and hospitalizations. However, we also have a greater understanding of the disease–and more tools at hand–than ever before. You may feel inundated with updated guidelines, variable supplies, and newly approved drugs. We have prepared the practical tips below to help you safely navigate life in 2022.

The Global Liver Institute (GLI) has been consistent, since March 2020, in advocating for the prioritization of liver patients, cancer patients, transplant recipients, and those with compromised immune systems in research, healthcare, and vaccine allocation strategies. We have taken data and policy from Israel, France and the United Kingdom in creating a pathway for people living with compromised immune systems to access the vaccine regimen that would allow them a chance at the same level of protection against COVID-19 and the more transmissible Delta variant as their neighbors.

(Washington, D.C., Friday, August 13, 2021)—Global Liver Institute (GLI) CEO and President Donna R. Cryer, JD, today applauded dual actions from U.S. government health agencies: U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of an additional COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose for organ transplant recipients, liver cancer survivors, and other immunocompromised or immunosuppressed individuals, followed by a unanimous vote of recommendation for an additional dose from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. A 26-year liver transplant recipient, Cryer urged FDA approval in a letter last month. FDA leadership acknowledged awareness of the concerns upon receipt.

As COVID-19 vaccines roll out, more and more schools and workplaces are inching toward fully reopening for in-person work or instruction. While the mental health challenges of being disconnected from other people and our normal routines have been driving factors to the push for reopening at a pace faster than most countries and communities have reached 70% herd (community) immunity thresholds, an overlooked aspect has been the anxiety and uncertainty around navigating re-entering society.

Whether you are waiting for your COVID-19 vaccine appointment or are fully vaccinated already, you might have many questions about what is next. Today, we have compiled a list of things you need to know to help you both before and after your vaccination appointment. We have tailored the practical tips below specifically for people with liver diseases, organ transplants, or who are otherwise immunocompromised.