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COVID-19 vaccine uptake rates, perceptions, and attitudes among dialysis patients: Experience across a national
Deborah Balzan1, Stefanie Marie Agius2, Emanuel Farrugia1
1Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta.
Introduction:
Dialysis patients are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection making vaccination a priority. We explored COVID-19 vaccine uptake and perceptions in our dialysis population, associated COVID-19 infection, and hospitalization rates.
Methods:
This is a single-center retrospective study using telephone questionnaires and hospital records to investigate COVID-19 vaccine uptake and attitudes behind vaccination status.
Results:
A total of 230 patients were interviewed. Vaccine uptake was 97.8% (two doses) and 86.6% (booster dose), with 79.5% vaccinated at Renal Unit. Most (58.5%) cited healthcare worker advice as a contributing factor and 54% sought protection through vaccination. COVID-19 hospitalization was higher in unvaccinated and patients vaccinated with one dose, compared to two doses (63.2% vs. 20%, p = 0.05) and booster dose (63.2% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.02).
Conclusion:
Our dialysis population recognized the importance of COVID-19 vaccination. Intensive patient education and easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine may have facilitated vaccine uptake in these patients.
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