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If you have chronic kidney disease, you may have many questions about how the COVID-19 vaccine may affect you. We have the answers to your questions.
Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or people who have had a transplant have questions about how vaccines may affect their health. The American Kidney Fund (AKF) addresses all of the most frequently asked questions they’ve gotten from CKD patients about the vaccine thus far—a list that is updated regularly. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.*
In both the Pfizer and Moderna trials, people with kidney disease were included. At this point, however, information is not available as to whether there were any differences in how the vaccine worked in those with kidney disease compared to those without kidney disease.
Currently, there is no information yet on the vaccine as it relates to CKD specifically, but there are clinical trials where the participants have related medical conditions (comorbidities). Some of these conditions include:
The vaccine was shown to be safe in those populations. Check with your provider for their guidance.
It’s important to first note that patients on dialysis are at greater risk of severe complications if they contract COVID-19. While research has looked at people with related medical conditions in vaccine trials, there hasn’t been a focus on the effects on dialysis patients. Discuss whether or not the vaccine is right for you with your doctor.
It is unclear how effective the vaccine is in people with transplants, but they are considered to be safe in this population. Similarly to the scenarios above, it is important to ask your nephrologist if the vaccine is safe for you. If you get the vaccine, it is still important to practice guidelines, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, to avoid transmission.
The Pfizer vaccine is approved for children 16 years and older, and the Moderna vaccine is approved for children 18 years and older.
Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines represent a new kind of vaccine, called an mRNA vaccine, and do not work the same as traditional vaccines. The COVID-19 shot releases a spike protein, which triggers your body’s immune system to make antibodies. Antibodies are what protect you from getting sick if you come into contact with the COVID-19 virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine comes in two doses, which are to be given 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine. Pfizer is 95% effective in preventing the virus, and the Moderna vaccine is 94.1% effective.
No. The vaccine includes a small part of protein made by the virus and not the virus itself.
Anyone who is between the age of 16 and 64 with high-risk health conditions is considered a part of Group 1c, following senior citizens who are 65 years and older who are in Group 1b. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that CKD is a high-risk condition, including anyone with a kidney transplant. It is largely up to each state government to decide how and when the vaccine will be distributed to those who live in that state.
Yes. Currently, all vaccine doses have been purchased by the federal government to distribute for free. There is no out-of-pocket cost.
It is recommended that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine, including people with CKD, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Side effects that may last a few days include:
In a few rare cares, severe allergic reactions occurred with the Pfizer vaccine, all of which were able to be treated. Pay attention to the ingredients in the vaccine to see if there is anything you are allergic to.
Aside from allergic reactions, most side effects are signs that the vaccine is working to build immunity.
The COVID-19 vaccine prevents the occurrence of severe COVID-19 symptoms if you come into contact with the virus. It is unclear if those who have been vaccinated may still be able to pass on the virus to others who have not yet been vaccinated. Until scientists can be sure, it is recommended to wear a mask, socially distance, and to wash your hands as frequently as you were before you were vaccinated.
*American Kidney Fund. (2021, Jan. 8). COVID-19 Vaccine and Kidney Disease: Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.kidneyfund.org/covid-19/vaccine-faqs/
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