Kidney Community Vaccination Collaborative: Promoting Immunization for Respiratory Illnesses

Rebecca Schmidt
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on behalf of the KCVC Steering Committee
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The importance of vaccination for people living with kidney diseases is well known. However, dialysis facility staff often struggle to persuade patients to receive immunizations for respiratory illnesses including influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Newer vaccines, such as for respiratory syncytial virus, can present additional challenges for the kidney community. Patients’ hesitancy is due to many factors, including logistical challenges, confusion about recommendations, distrust in the medical field in general, cultural concerns, and misinformation about the safety of vaccines or the importance of being immunized.

To address these challenges, in 2021, ASN partnered with the Council of Medical Specialty Societies and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in their “Specialty Societies Advancing Adult Immunizations” (SSAAI) initiative. The goals of this project were to increase the adoption of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Standards for Adult Immunization Practice and the delivery of recommended vaccinations through the broad spectrum of nephrology care.

In fall 2024, ASN built upon the foundations of the SSAAI initiative to launch the Kidney Community Vaccination Collaborative (KCVC). The focus of the collaborative is to adapt the work begun with the SSAAI initiative to the unique needs of the kidney community, in which clinicians and patients have consistent and often long-term relationships, and medical professionals are well-versed on the unique challenges facing patients with kidney diseases. These relationships offer the opportunity for dialysis facility professionals to serve as the trusted source of information in the evolving landscape of vaccination recommendations.

To lead this work, KCVC has established a steering committee comprised of representatives from nephrology: physicians, nurses, researchers, pharmacists, pediatricians, the patient community, and immunization leaders. The steering committee is supported by a Learning and Action Network, through which community members share best practices and resources for promoting immunization. KCVC is charged with the following goals:

  • Identify the unique needs of the kidney community.

  • Assemble best practices for vaccination.

  • Disseminate resources and strategies for promoting vaccination.

  • Engage dialysis facility staff to communicate with patients and other staff.

  • Pursue collaborations with community partners to support vaccination at dialysis facilities.

  • Review data to track vaccination trends.

This fall, KCVC launched a vaccination campaign targeting respiratory illnesses including influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus, and pneumonia. Through its early work with SSAAI, KCVC has already established a library of resources, including:

  • ASN Statement on Immunizations in the Kidney Community

  • “How to be a Vaccine Advocate” resource for clinicians and staff

  • COVID-19 Pocket Guide and Companion Posters (English and Spanish) for dialysis staff

  • Video testimonials featuring dialysis facility staff and a patient advocate

  • Micro-learning module promoting vaccination for staff and patients

In addition, the steering committee and Learning and Action Network members have used a variety of techniques to confront misinformation and facilitate vaccination. These include:

  • “Lunch and Learn” program featuring a dialysis facility medical director

  • “Myth Busters” initiative to directly confront patient fears and misinformation

  • Vaccine clinics, in which a local health partner provides vaccination at the dialysis facility and completes documentation in the state database

  • BINGO game to engage patients and promote understanding of the importance of vaccination

For 2025, KCVC will consider these proposed initiatives:

  • Develop vaccination checklists: What is available, when to receive, and where.

  • Generate educational materials for staff and patients for all vaccines recommended for patients on dialysis.

  • Adapt materials specific to transplant and pediatrics.

  • Pursue partnerships with kidney organizations.

  • Conduct a focus group of interdisciplinary representatives to identify the needs of the community.

  • Advocate for enhanced access to and coverage for vaccination for patients on dialysis.

Immunization is a simple process and has been a cornerstone of the medical field for decades. Its importance and value to patients and public health are well-documented. However, the challenges that staff face in promoting immunization are real and varied. KCVC offers a new opportunity for dialysis professionals to know the most up-to-date vaccine recommendations and embrace their trusted role, promote best practices, and encourage vaccination for all respiratory illnesses that can be deadly to this vulnerable population.

KCVC invites all members of the kidney community to join in support of promoting vaccinations through respectful collaboration and initiatives tailored for the kidney community. “Build Trust. Open Dialogue. Respect Choices.”

To learn more about KCVC and explore the resources mentioned, please visit https://epc.asn-online.org/projects/kcvc/ or scan the QR code, or to share your own best practices, email epc@asn-online.org.

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