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Immunization

NOTE: Click here for specific information on the Network-wide Flu Immunization Project.


Infectious pathogens, especially those causing Hepatits B and Pneumococcal infections, pose an increased risk to persons with chronic renal failure. It is imperative that facility staff as well as patients be educated and immunized against such pathogens. An additional concern, for people with chronic renal failure, nephritic syndrome, or organ transplantation, is that the efficacy of vaccines may be lower due to patients' immunosuppressed state, and they may require repeat or increased doses of vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide guidelines, dosing schedules, fact sheets, and vaccine information statements for a variety of infectious pathogens and vaccines. We strongly encourage review of the resource links below:

The Medicare Learning Network's MLN Matters newsletter has published specific information on Medicare Fee-for-Services (MFFS) billing for the administration of the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus vaccine (September 2009).

The Adult Immunizations brochure for health care providers  (October 2008) provides an overview of Medicare's coverage of influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccines and their administration

Guidelines for Vaccinating Kidney Dialysis Patients and Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease is a summary of recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Immunization Schedules (children, adolescents, and adults)

Vaccine Information Statements VISs, as well as frequently asked questions and distribution guidelines

The second edition of The Vaccine Handbook: A Practical Guide for Clinicians by Gary Marshall, MD, is now available for  purchase. This "Purple Book" contains practical advice and background for the practitioner on vaccine infrastructure, standards and regulations, business aspects of vaccine practice, general recommendations, schedules, special circumstances, and how to address a patient's concerns about vaccines.

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NEWS
As of December 2009, Network 5's AVF rate was 50.8%!