Sir, the report on influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in dialysis patients is very interesting [1]. Wilmore et al. [1] noted that ‘most dialysis patients were not up-to-date with both vaccinations.’ Of interest, there are many problems preventing the success of vaccination programs for dialysis patients. The attitude of the practitioner seems to be very important [2]. Sometimes, the practitioners do not promote but act against vaccination. In addition, McGrath et al. recently reported that hospitalization and skilled nursing care were two important predictors of vaccination [3]. It was reported that ‘patients with long hospitalizations or skilled nursing stays were less likely to be vaccinated suggesting evidence of the healthy-user effect [3].’ To manage the problem of vaccination coverage, those factors should be carefully considered.
Conflict of interest statement. None declared.
References
- 1.Wilmore SM, Philip KE, Cambiano V, et al. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations in dialysis patients in a London district general hospital. Clin Kidney J. 2014;7:27–32. doi: 10.1093/ckj/sft138. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
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