While the uptake of three primary vaccinations for patients with kidney disease has been excellent, there appears to be a deficit in booster vaccination. Data published by OPENSafely shows that only 61% of eligible patients with CKD have received a fourth vaccination. This is of major concern as we approach a further wave of COVID-19.
Booster vaccination maximises immunity for patients CKD and other high-risk conditions, reducing the risk of infection and decreasing the severity of infection from COVID-19. Immunity against COVID-19 after a vaccination course declines with time as evidenced by an increasing number of infections. Booster doses save lives.
Those eligible for boosters are:
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Heavily immunosuppressed individuals, including kidney transplants, who have received a third primary dose at an interval of 3 months, and a second booster (fifth) dose 3 months later.
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From February 2022, individuals >75 years of age, care home residents, or immunosuppressed become eligible for a fourth dose having received a 2-dose primary course followed by a booster.