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Vaccinations Quality Improvement Activity (QIA)

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Vaccinations: Keeping Patients Protected

Infection is a leading cause of illness and death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, who are immunocompromised and at higher risk, especially those on dialysis. Vaccines significantly reduce the threat of preventable diseases, yet vaccine hesitancy persists due to misinformation and lack of education. It's crucial to educate and encourage CKD patients to get vaccinated, as they remain vulnerable to infections like flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. The Network will continue supporting patients, providers, and facilities to keep CKD patients informed and protected against these risks.

 

2025-2026 National Goals

Influenza Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall ensure that a minimum of 80% of dialysis patients receive an influenza vaccination. Data for the measure is based on EQRS data.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall achieve a 13% increase in the rate of dialysis patients that are up to date for pneumococcal pneumonia, from the baseline. Data for the measure is based on EQRS data.

 

Patient Engagement Interventions

Peer Mentoring
  • Pair patients who’ve gotten vaccinated w those who are resisting. Make a big deal out of those who do get vaccinated.
  • Have patients who’ve experienced flu/pneumonia share what that was like. Do any patients have comparisons of what it was like to be sick without being vaccinated and with? Their story could be shared in educational materials.
Life Planning
  • Tie vaccination goals into quality of life goals in care plans.
    • Care plan goal examples:
      • X was hospitalized with pneumonia last year. She reports it is something she never wants to go through again and is interested in being up to date with her vaccination.
      • “I (Mr. X) want a kidney transplant. I got a call for one a few months ago but had the flu and lost the opportunity. I plan to get the flu shot this year to ensure I will be as healthy as I can be for the next time I’m called.”
    • Quality Assessment Performance Improvement (QAPI)
      • Include patients in QAPI to discuss vaccination measures.
        • Remember, patients do not have to be physically present to participate. They can attend virtually. They also do not have to be present for the entire meeting. It is okay to focus on just 2 or 3 measures that are important to the facility or the patient.
        • Talk about where the facility is currently with the measure and what the goal is. Share the proposed intervention(s) or brainstorm. Encourage patients to provide feedback on barriers, patient motivators and interventions.
      • Create an interactive bulletin board. Use the 5 Easy Steps Flyer for guidence. Provide data that shows comparison in number of deaths/hospitalizations in previous year(s) between patients with and without vaccinations.

 

Network 5 Contact

Amanda Morelli, MSN, RN, CNN
Phone: (804) 320-0004 x2709
amorelli@qualityinsights.org

 

Vaccination Resource Library

Explore our comprehensive Vaccination Resource Library, designed to support healthcare providers in improving immunization rates. Find free flyers, posters and more below to help with vaccination efforts.

Helpful Links