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.

For assistance with the implementation of strategies to improve vaccination, contact Jeannette Shrift at jshrift@qualityinsights.org. 

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. 

Vaccination Toolkit

Linked Resources

• Forum of ESRD Networks’ Vaccination Toolkit (Updated 2021)

• Vaccination Information Statements

COVID-19

• 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program module – COVID-19

• CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Communication Toolkit

• Culturally Validated Resources for Vaccines

Influenza

• 5-Diamond Patient Safety Program module – Influenza Vaccination

• CDC Flu Season Guidance

• CDC Flu Vaccination Information for Healthcare Workers

• CDC Home page for Seasonal Influenza 

• CDC Misconceptions about the Flu Vaccine

• FAQs - Including Co-Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine

• Information for Health Professionals 

• Patient Education Resources 

• MMWR - Aug 21, 2020

Pneumococcal Pneumonia

• CDC recommends routine pneumococcal vaccination for:

  • All adults 65 years or older

  • People 2 through 64 years old with certain medical conditions 

  • Adults 19 through 64 years old who smoke cigarettes

• CDC Pneumococcal Vaccination

• Pneumococcal Vaccination: Summary of Who and When to Vaccinate

PDFs of Resources

Use the resource library below to download PDFs of our resources. Having trouble? Access the resource library here.