We followed up 550 primary kidney transplant recipients in an observational retrospective cohort to evaluate the impact of three consecutive cytomegalovirus (CMV) prevention strategies. In period 1 (1996–2000; n = 190), no anti‐CMV prophylaxis was given; in period 2 (2000–2004; n = 173), 6‐month valacyclovir was given and in period 3 (>2004; n = 187), 6‐month valganciclovir was given. Cytomegalovirus disease significantly decreased from 33.2% in period 1 to 13.9% in period 2 and to 8.6% in period 3; onset was significantly prolonged with valganciclovir (228 days) compared with valacyclovir (93 days) and with no prophylaxis (33 days). After Cox regression adjustments, both valganciclovir and valacyclovir were similarly protective factors for CMV disease. Cytomegalovirus diseases encountered in both valacyclovir and valganciclovir groups were primary infections (79.2 and 93.8% respectively) as compared with a significant low number (39.7%) in the nonprophylaxis group. Two cases of valganciclovir resistance were recorded in the valganciclovir group and no resistance was seen with valacyclovir. A significantly reduced incidence of other herpes viruses was only observed with valganciclovir. Valganciclovir was better tolerated than valacyclovir and this long‐term prophylaxis was applicable to 85% of patients. Longer follow‐up of valganciclovir or valacyclovir prophylaxis is still required to appreciate its impact on graft and patient survivals, as well as other indirect effects, in the mycophenolate mofetil and calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppressive era.