COVID-19 beliefs and vaccination uptake in dialysis patients: lessons from an anonymous patient survey

Background There is a lack of data on how to best optimise uptake of COVID-19 vaccination in dialysis patients. Aim To understand attitudes and beliefs about COVID-19 and vaccination uptake in dialysis patients. Methods A single-centre, cross-sectional study involving a clinical audit and an anonymous survey of adult maintenance dialysis patients was conducted. Results The vaccination uptake during the study period was 77.5% at least single dose, compared with 70% in Victoria during the same period. Participants were more likely to be vaccinated if they believed COVID-19 was a serious problem that is worse for people on dialysis. Those unvaccinated were more likely to overestimate the risk of vaccine complications and less likely to have the annual influenza vaccine. Despite over 80% of participants agreeing that they would have the vaccine if recommended by their nephrologist, less than 40% reported receiving information from this source. A predominant reason for vaccine hesitancy was concern regarding vaccine safety. Over 60% of those who were unvaccinated were still open to the vaccine, indicating a significant opportunity to improve vaccination rates through medical consultation and direction. Conclusions Vaccine hesitancy for COVID-19 in dialysis patients associates with less informed health beliefs, both about the disease and the risks of vaccination. Patients are more likely to get vaccinated if it is recommended by their nephrologist. Clinicians caring for dialysis patients have a key role in providing high-quality education and advice, representing an urgent opportunity for improvement in vaccination uptake against COVID-19.