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Vaccinations Quality Improvement Activity (QIA)

Dont-Wait-Vacciante

Keeping Patients Protected

Infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD patients are immunocompromised and those receiving dialysis are at increased risk for exposure due to the nature of their disease.  Patients should receive vaccinations for all infections with effective vaccines. Vaccines have greatly reduced diseases that once routinely harmed or killed babies, children, and adults. People all over the world, including in the United States, still become seriously ill or even die from diseases that vaccines can help prevent. Vaccine hesitancy can be linked to a 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.

2024-2025 National Goals

COVID-19 Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall achieve a 25% increase in the rate of dialysis patients that are fully vaccinated for COVID-19*, including boosters, as determined by the CDC and/or CMS, from the baseline. Data for this measure is based on NHSN, or another CMS approved data system.

  • The Network shall achieve a 15% increase in the rate of dialysis facility staff that are fully vaccinated for COVID-19*, including boosters, as determined by the CDC and/or CMS, from the baseline. 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 80% of dialysis patients receive an influenza vaccination. Data for the measure is based on EQRS data.

  • The Network shall achieve a 15% increase in the rate of dialysis facility staff that receive an influenza vaccination, from the baseline. Data for this measure is based on NHSN.

Pneumococcal Vaccination Goals

  • The Network shall achieve a 10% increase in the rate of dialysis patients that are fully vaccinated** for pneumococcal pneumonia, from the baseline. Data for the measure is based on EQRS data.

*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.

Vaccination Tool Kit

Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations.

Use the following resources to track your goals and encourage vaccination:

Linked Resources

General Resources for Vaccination & Infection Prevention

COVID-19 Resources & Vaccination Information 

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