DENVER―DaVita Inc., a provider of kidney care services committed to improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), today announced that the company has reached its goal of vaccinating 90 percent of its patient population from the flu this season. According to internal reporting, at the end of October DaVita's patient inoculation rate already was at 90.4 percent.
To reach its 90 percent patient goal, DaVita(R) teammates (employees) and attending physicians worked together to educate patients on the importance of getting a flu shot. DaVita recognizes the critical need for protection against the virus and therefore offers the vaccine at no cost to patients.
"I'm thankful for the knowledge and experience of my caregivers," said DaVita patient Elaine Tolno at the DaVita Belcaro Dialysis Facility in Denver, Colo. "They didn't tell me I had to get a flu shot; they explained to me why it's important for dialysis patients to get vaccinated. Now I'm better informed and protected."
Studies have shown that high vaccination rates relate directly to fewer hospitalizations, which can lead to a better quality of life for dialysis patients. To combat the spread of the seasonal flu virus DaVita provides flu vaccines for its patients and teammates.
"CKD patients are at a higher risk for complications due to the flu virus," explained Dr. Allen R. Nissenson, DaVita's chief medical officer. "This vaccine not only improves the quality of patients' lives―it saves lives."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February. DaVita also encourages anyone who has physical contact with a dialysis patient to receive a flu vaccination early in the flu season.
