Vaccinations Quality Improvement Activity (QIA)

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Americans across the country and further threatened the health of patients living with chronic conditions. ESRD patients carry a greater risk of mortality and morbidity if contracted with COVID-19. Thankfully, three vaccine variations are readily available to the public to decrease the spread and severity of the virus. Vaccine hesitancy can be linked to lack of education and the spread of false information. To overcome this barrier, we must work diligently to encourage, educate, and inform our ESRD patients about the benefits of vaccination. In addition to COVID-19, patients remain at risk for contracting flu and pneumonia. The Network will provide continuous support to patients, providers, and facilities so that together, we can keep patients with complex, chronic conditions protected and informed. 

 2023-2024 National Goals

  • Ensure a minimum of 80% of fully vaccinated dialysis patients receive any additional CDC and/or CMS recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • Ensure a minimum of 95% of dialysis facility staff are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including boosters, as determined by the CDC and/or CMS.*

  • Ensure that a minimum of 90% of dialysis patients receive an influenza vaccination

  • Ensure that a minimum of 90% of dialysis facility staff receive an influenza vaccination

  • Achieve a 7% increase, from the baseline, in the percentage of dialysis patients fully vaccinated for pneumococcal pneumonia.*

    *CDC guidance will be used to define “fully vaccinated.” There are multiple pathways to achieve “fully vaccinated” status for the pneumococcal vaccine. All pathways to “fully vaccinated” with count toward the measure goals.

Protect, Prevent, Vaccinate Campaign

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This campaign aims to promote the health and well-being of our ESRD patients and dialysis facility community by raising awareness to the preventive benefits of vaccination. Together, we can take the proactive step towards safeguarding lives and building a healthier and stronger community through education, empowerment and vaccination.

The 2023-2024 campaign will run from July 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024.

How to Participate

  1. Post the pledge form in the facility waiting room and staff lounge. A Spanish version of the pledge form is also available. 

  2. Join the Campaign today and pledge to implement activities to educate and promote vaccinations.

Recognition

The campaign participant that achieves the best outcomes in the all the vaccination measures will be recognized at the end of the performance period.

  • Influenza (patients and staff), 

  • COVID-19 (patients and staff), 

  • Pneumonia (patients)

EQRS and NHSN data will be used to monitor progress.

Why Vaccines are Important

In the U.S., vaccines have greatly reduced or eliminated many infectious diseases that once routinely killed or harmed infants, children, and adults. However, the viruses and bacteria that cause these diseases still exist and you can still get these diseases if you aren’t vaccinated.

Source: CDC Reasons to Vaccinate

Key Messages to Share with Patients and Staff

Vaccines Are Very Safe

  • Vaccines are tested and monitored. Vaccines go through years of testing before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licenses them for use. Both the CDC and FDA continue to track the safety of all licensed vaccines.

  • Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. The most common side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. Severe side effects are very rare.

  • Vaccines are one of the safest ways to protect your health. Talk with your doctor about the vaccines you should safely receive based on your health or other conditions.

Campaign Resources

General Vaccination Resources

COVID-19

INFLUENZA

PNEUMONIA 

DATA REPORTING

For assistance with the implementation of strategies to improve vaccination, contact Virna de la Cruz at vdelacruz@qualityinsights.org.