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Vaccinations Quality Improvement Activity (QIA)

Dont-Wait-Vacciante

Keeping Patients Protected

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

COVID-19 Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall ensure that a minimum of 80% of dialysis patients are fully vaccinated* for COVID-19, including boosters, as determined by the CDC and/or CMS. Data for this measure is based on NHSN, or another CMS approved data system.

  • The Network shall ensure that a minimum of 95% of dialysis facility staff are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, including boosters, as determined by the CDC and/or CMS. Data for this measure is based on NHSN, or another CMS approved data system.

Influenza Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall ensure that a minimum of 90% of dialysis patients receive an influenza vaccination.

  • The Network shall ensure that a minimum of 90% of dialysis facility staff receive an influenza vaccination.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall achieve a 7% increase, from the baseline, in the percentage of dialysis patients that are fully vaccinated** for pneumococcal pneumonia.

*CDC guidance will be used to define “fully vaccinated.” Fully vaccinated or “up-to-date” for COVID-19 is currently defined as having received the primary series as well as the Bivalent booster.

**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.

Linked Resources

General Resources for Vaccination & Infection Prevention

COVID-19 Resources & Vaccination Information 

COVID-19 vaccination blurb “COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older in the United States for the prevention of COVID-19. There is currently no FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than age 6 months. CDC recommends that people stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination.

Influenza Resources & Vaccination Information

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are also at high risk of developing serious flu complications, which can result in hospitalization and even death. This is because CKD weakens immune response, which can make the immune system less able to fight infections. People with CKD at any stage, people who have had a kidney transplant, and people who are undergoing dialysis treatment are all at increased risk of severe illness from flu.

CDC Resources

NKF Resources 

NKF Resources

Pneumococcal Resources & Vaccination Information

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for adults 19 through 64 years old who have certain chronic medical conditions or other risk factors and for all adults 65 years or older.

CDC Resources

NKF Resources

Articles

Network 5 Contact

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

PDFs of Available Resources