| [ Summary ] |
Bacterial and viral infections are major causes of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Chronic hemodialysis patients are at high risk of infection, because they are immunocompromised and have more opportunity to be exposed to infected patients, since they visit hospitals two to three times per week for dialysis and require frequent hospitalization. Vaccination may lower the risk of infections and the likelihood of hospitalization, complications, medical expenses and death rates. However, patients on dialysis have a reduced response to vaccination and ability to maintain adequate antibody titers over time, accounting for lower seroconversion rates following vaccination, lower peak antibody titers, and a rapid decline of antibody levels. Higher dosages or an increased number of doses may be needed to ensure protection in dialysis patients. Evaluation of the efficacy of revaccination or higher vaccine dosage levels requires further investigation. |