Targeted education, data-driven quality improvement, and regional partnerships help dialysis facilities strengthen vaccination efforts and protect patients with kidney disease.
Protecting dialysis patients from preventable infections is an essential part of improving kidney care. Recognizing opportunities to strengthen pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination rates, Qsource ESRD Network 12 partnered with dialysis providers to improve vaccination practices, strengthen clinical education, and support better patient outcomes.
Through a targeted quality improvement initiative, the Network helped participating dialysis facilities achieve measurable progress, including an increase in pneumococcal vaccination rates from 23% to 42% across two targeted regions, representing a 19-percentage-point improvement.
The initiative demonstrates how meaningful provider partnerships, actionable data, and ongoing education can strengthen preventive care for patients living with kidney disease.
Patients receiving dialysis face increased risks from infections, making vaccination an important component of preventive care. Pneumococcal vaccination helps protect against serious illnesses, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections, that can lead to hospitalization and other complications.
Qsource ESRD Network 12 identified gaps in pneumococcal vaccination rates among facilities operated by one of the largest dialysis organizations (LDO) within the Network's service area. In May 2024, DaVita facilities reported an average up-to-date vaccination rate of 45%, below the Network's goal of 80%.
Further assessment identified opportunities to strengthen vaccination data accuracy, improve communication between facility and regional leadership, and address inconsistencies in how vaccination records were tracked and reviewed.
These findings highlighted the need for a coordinated approach that would support dialysis teams while encouraging greater awareness and accountability across facilities.
To address these challenges, Qsource ESRD Network 12 developed a regional quality improvement approach that brought together dialysis facility teams, clinical specialists, and organizational leadership around shared vaccination goals.
Rather than focusing exclusively on individual facilities, the Network worked directly with regional leaders to strengthen communication, increase visibility into vaccination performance, and encourage collaboration among dialysis teams.
The Network provided regional vaccination reports that helped providers better understand performance trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and recognize successful practices across facilities. These insights were reinforced through ongoing leadership discussions, individualized technical assistance, and educational resources.
The initiative also emphasized accurate vaccination documentation, verification of immunization records, and patient-centered approaches to addressing vaccine hesitancy. Educational materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Network's Get the 20 pneumococcal vaccination campaign supported these efforts.
By combining education, data, and provider engagement, Qsource helped dialysis teams translate quality improvement priorities into meaningful action.
The initiative produced encouraging improvements in pneumococcal vaccination performance across participating LDO facilities during the May 2024 through April 2025 improvement period.
These results reflect the value of sustained collaboration and the importance of equipping providers with the information and support needed to strengthen preventive care.
While opportunities remain to reach the Network's vaccination goals, the progress demonstrates how targeted interventions can help facilities overcome barriers and improve performance.
The success of this initiative extends beyond the initial improvements in vaccination rates. Qsource ESRD Networks has continued working with dialysis organizations to strengthen vaccination monitoring, reinforce best practices, and expand the use of performance data to support quality improvement.
The Network has broadened its regional reporting efforts to include influenza vaccination rates and expanded these resources to additional dialysis organizations and independent providers.
This continued engagement helps ensure that vaccination remains an ongoing priority, supporting dialysis teams in identifying gaps, addressing patient concerns, and maintaining consistent preventive care practices.
For Qsource ESRD Networks, the initiative reinforces an important principle: lasting improvement happens when providers have access to reliable information, practical education, and collaborative support that reflects the realities of patient care.
Through strong provider partnerships and a continued commitment to infection prevention, Qsource ESRD Networks are helping dialysis facilities strengthen preventive care, reduce risks for vulnerable patients, and support healthier lives for people living with kidney disease.
Discover how Qsource ESRD Networks partners with dialysis providers to strengthen quality of care, improve clinical outcomes, and support patients and care partners across the ESRD continuum. Learn more about their expertise and the impact they’re making in their communities.