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. 

 2022-2023 National Goals
  • Achieve 90% Influenza vaccination of eligible* patients.  
  • Achieve 90% Influenza vaccination of eligible* staff.  
  • Achieve an additional 10% increase in the number of patients receiving a PCV 13 from baseline to the end of the OY1. 
  • Ensure 90% of dialysis patients receive a PPSV 23 by the end of the OY1 period.
  • Ensure 85% of dialysis patients over 65 years old receive a PPSV 23 by the end of OY1. 
  • Achieve a minimum of 80% of dialysis patients receiving a primary COVID-19 vaccination and/or vaccination series. 
  • Achieve a minimum of 80% of dialysis patients fully vaccinated dialysis patients to receive any additional CDC and/or CMS recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Ensure 100% of dialysis facility staff receive a primary COVID-19 vaccination and/ or vaccination series.
  • Ensure 100% of dialysis staff fully vaccinated dialysis patients to receive any additional CDC and/or CMS recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

Vaccination Olympics Campaign

Vaccination Olympics LogoThe Network 3 Vaccination Olympics Campaign aims to promote
the importance and benefits of vaccinations to ensure the safety 
of ESRD patients and to recognize facilities’ commitments to promoting and increasing vaccination rates for their patients and staff. 

2022-2023 Campaign Objectives:
  • Demonstrate the value of vaccines for the health of individuals on dialysis, and dialysis staff
  • Highlight the need to build on immunization progress while addressing gaps
  • Urge importance and greater engagement around immunization for dialysis patients and facility staff
The 2022-2023 campaign will run from July 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023.

How to Participate

  1. Post the pledge form in the facility waiting room and staff lounge. A Spanish version of the pledge form is also available. 
  2. Join the Campaign today and pledge to implement activities to educate and promote vaccinations.

Recognition

A facility will earn a GOLD medal for achieving the Network goals for each of the vaccination Olympic events listed below. To be recognized as a Network Vaccination Olympics winner, the facility must earn a GOLD medal for all vaccination Olympic events. 
 
  • Influenza (patients and staff), 
  • COVID-19 (patients and staff), 
  • Pneumonia (patients) 
EQRS and NHSN data will be used to monitor progress toward medal achievement. 

2021-2022 Vaccination Olympics Campaign Top Gold Medalists 
  • New Jersey – FKC Bayonne
  • Puerto Rico – FMC Yauco

Vaccination Pledge

The following facilities have taken the pledge:
  • ARA Clifton Dialysis Center
  • ARA Garden State Kidney Center
  • Atlantis Caguas
  • Atlantis Isabela
  • Atlantis Renal Centre of Ponce
  • DaVita Dialysis at Deborah
  • DaVita Durham Corners
  • DaVita East Paterson
  • DaVita Edison
  • DaVita Hackensack
  • DaVita Jackson Township
  • DaVita Ocean County Dialysis
  • DaVita Princeton Junction
  • East Orange Gen Hospital
  • FKC Bayonne
  • FKC Lawrenceville
  • FMC Aguadilla
  • FMC Aibonito
  • FMC Carolina
  • FMC Elizabeth
  • FMC Hackensack
  • FMC Hoboken
  • FMC Irvington
  • FMC Juana Diaz
  • FMC Mayaguez
  • FMC North Jersey City
  • FMC Rio Grande
  • FMC San Juan
  • FMC Santa Juanita
  • FMC Vega Baja Renal
  • H. Fuld Capital Health

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.

General Vaccination Resources

COVID-19

Transportation Resource to Vaccination Sites
  • VaxRide NJ – NJ Transit supports New Jerseyans in their efforts to get vaccinated against COVID-19.  For directions to receive free VAXRIDE tickets to and from your vaccine appointments please use the links below.

Influenza

Pneumonia 

DATA REPORTING


For assistance with the implementation of strategies to improve vaccination, contact Virna de la Cruz at vdelacruz@qualityinsights.org.