Covid-19 Information

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People on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients have immune system differences from people with normal kidney function. They are at a higher risk of severe illness and death from a Covid-19 infection. 

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As the United Network for Organ Sharing notes, "Studies and real-life data show that even fully-vaccinated, immunocompromised transplant patients have an increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infections. That is why additional boosters have been approved by the CDC and why some transplant programs have chosen to inform their patients to continue wearing masks and social distancing. If you have specific questions about the impact of COVID-19 on you as a transplant recipient, please contact your healthcare provider."

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Dialysis patients can take steps to protect themselves from infection, including:

• Continue dialysis treatment.

  • Missing even one treatment can cause harm and increase risk of serious illness.

  • If you have Covid-19 or believe you have been exposed, notify your dialysis center staff before arriving for treatment.

• Get vaccinated.

  • Ask friends and family to help protect you by getting vaccinated and boosted as well. 

  • Keep up to date on vaccines for the flu and other illnesses. 

• Wear a mask when interacting with others, especially indoors or at close distances.

• Avoid crowded situations.

  • Maintain a six foot distance.​

  • Meet outdoors when possible.

• Keep a supply of food and medications.

• Know the symptoms of a Covid-19 infections.

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Kidney transplant can take steps to protect themselves from infection, including:

• After transplant, get your vaccine as soon as your doctor says you can, usually 3 months after the transplant. Getting vaccinated and boosted.

  • People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a total of 4 doses of COVID-19 vaccine.  

  • ​Ask friends and family to help protect you by getting vaccinated and boosted as well. 

• Wear a mask.

• Avoid crowded situations.

  • Maintaining a six foot distance.​

  • Meeting outdoors when possible.

• Take medications as prescribed.

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Informational Resources

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From the End Stage Renal Disease National Coordinating Center:

• COVID-19 Tips for Safe Grocery Shopping 

• COVID-19 Tip Sheet

• COVID-19 Tip Sheet (Spanish)

• Patient Safety Tips for Dialysis Transportation During the COVID-19 Outbreak

• Patient Safety Tips for Dialysis Transportation During the COVID-19 Outbreak (Spanish)

• 5 Urgent Reminders About COVID-19 for Individuals on Dialysis

• 4 Ways to Empower Yourself to Cope with COVID-19

• 4 Ways to Empower Yourself to Cope with COVID-19 (Spanish, courtesy ESRD Network of Texas)

• 11 Things to Get Ready for a Kidney Transplant During COVID-19

• 11 Things to Get Ready for a Kidney Transplant During COVID-19 (Spanish)

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From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Extra Precautions: People with Certain Medical Conditions

• Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

• COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately or Severely Immunocompromised People

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From Johns Hopkins Medicine:

• After an Organ Transplant: 14 Strategies for Safer Living During the COVID-19 Era

• Traveling After an Organ Transplant During the COVID-19 Era

• Coronavirus: Kidney Damage Caused by COVID-19

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Additional resources:

• American Association of Kidney Patients (includes many webinars and videos)

• American Society of Transplantation

• National Institutes of Health

• United Network for Organ Sharing

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration

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