Call for all kidney patients and dialysis staff to be vaccinated early

Kidney Health New Zealand is calling for all kidney patients and the staff who care for them to be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Kidney Health New Zealand General Manager, Michael Campbell says today’s Covid-19 vaccine announcement prioritises only older kidney patients and those living in South Auckland.

“It is vital all kidney patients and the staff who look after them are vaccinated urgently, as overseas evidence shows that those with kidney disease have substantially higher rates of catching Covid and dying from it.”

“All kidney patients are at much higher risk than other groups in the case of community spread, because they are immune-compromised and many have to attend hospitals for dialysis, where they could easily acquire the virus.

“Dialysis staff are also at risk. If they are unable to work hospitals will be unable to provide life-preserving treatment.”

The Government announced today that kidney patients would be included in the third round of the roll-outs, after people aged over 75-years-old, and then over 65-years-old, then people with pre-existing health conditions such as kidney disease.

Thursday March 11 is World Kidney Day.

Community research by Kidney Health New Zealand shows one in 10, or 500,000 New Zealanders have early stage kidney disease, but only 10 per cent of them know.

Amongst people of Māori and Pacific heritage, kidney disease rates are collectively double that of New Zealand European. Regions with particularly high rates include Counties Manukau, Northland, Waikato and Hawke's Bay.

“The real danger with kidney disease is it is an insidious disease, where people can be on the brink of kidney failure before they suspect anything is wrong," Mr Campbell says.

Treatment of kidney failure is either dialysis or a transplant. Nationally there are only around 220 transplants per year and 450 people are on the waiting list. More than 3,000 people are currently on dialysis.

Dr Andrew Salmon, nephrologist at Waitemata DHB and Kidney Health New Zealand Medical Advisor says the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted that the people most at risk of more severe illness from the virus are also those most at risk of kidney disease.

“People most vulnerable to Covid-19 complications suffer from chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease,” he says.

People can find out more at Kidney Health New Zealand at www.kidney.health.nz