Important Information: Coronavirus (COVID-19) & Your Health
Your health and safety are our top priority. Fresenius Kidney Care is dedicated to providing you with the highest-quality care and support in every circumstance. The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation has been changing quickly, and we will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
Covid-19 updates
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Infection control guidelines for COVID-19
view | download | Spanish Learn about the updated guidelines regarding respiratory viruses and recently released recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). -
2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
view | download | Spanish Learn about the CDC's (Center for Disease Control) recent 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine recommendations with answers to common questions. -
Understanding the Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines
view | download | Spanish The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get fully vaccinated and continue following safety guidelines. Talk to your care team about receiving the vaccine during your next in-center appointment. -
A Letter From Our Experts
view | download | Spanish The COVID-19 pandemic has lasted far longer than anyone thought possible. With variants continuing to spread quickly, it is more important than ever for us all to stay safe and protect ourselves. Learn more about how vaccination with two or more booster doses lowered the risk of death from COVID-19. -
COVID-19 Vaccines Receive FDA Authorizations (podcast)
listen now Explore the groundbreaking science behind the emergency approval of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines on our Field Notes podcast. -
Booster Shots for People with CKD (podcast)
listen now Hear Dr. Jeffrey Hymes explain why boosters are necessary, why they are safe, and why they are so effective at protecting our patients.
An open letter to patients from Dr. Hymes
The evidence is clear. The current vaccines lower the rate of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. Vaccination and boosters protect better than primary vaccination alone and the worst outcomes are seen in unvaccinated persons. Hear why Dr. Hymes is urging patients to take advantage of the new COVID-19 booster (bivalent) and vaccines that are being offered in centers.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: Do I need to get a booster if I have already been vaccinated?
Boosters are recommended, even if you’ve already been vaccinated. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains the importance and benefits of receiving a booster. Learn when you’re eligible to receive a booster based on the vaccine you received—Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson, and see how easy it is to become fully vaccinated.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: If I already had COVID-19, do I need to get vaccinated?
Even if you were previously infected with COVID-19. vaccinations may be more effective than natural immunity against variants. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains the importance and benefits of getting vaccinated, even if you’ve had COVID-19. Learn how the vaccine strengthens your immune system response and makes your immunity last longer. For people with kidney disease or compromised immune systems, see why vaccinations are especially important and discover how easy it is to get vaccinated.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: How does COVID-19 affect people with kidney disease?
People with kidney disease are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 and it’s harder for your body to recover from the virus. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains the health impacts of the virus and discusses how you can take control and protect yourself by getting fully vaccinated, including your booster, which are available in-center at your next visit.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: What should I know about the variants if I’ve already been vaccinated?
The virus that causes COVID-19 is changing, and new variants of the virus are expected to occur. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains why it continues to be important to protect yourself against the virus. See how you can reduce your risk if you’re already vaccinated and discover how easy it is to become fully vaccinated.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: Are COVID-19 treatments safe for people with kidney disease?
When it comes to treating COVID-19 in people with kidney disease, few treatments are available. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains what treatments are recommended and what to do if you have been diagnosed with the virus.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: Why do people still get COVID-19 if they’ve already been vaccinated?
Although vaccines help prevent you from getting the virus, breakthrough infections are still possible. By working with your body’s natural defenses, however, vaccines help decrease symptoms if you do contract the virus. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains how vaccines work to provide protection in multiple ways. See how easy it is to protect yourself and become fully vaccinated.
Q&A with Dr. Kraus: If I have my COVID-19 vaccine and my booster, do I still need to wear a mask?
In addition to vaccination and boosters, wearing a mask and social distancing provide extra layers of safety and protection. In this video, Dr. Kraus, a nephrologist and associate chief medical officer for Fresenius Kidney Care, explains why these precautions continue to be recommended. See how easy it is to protect yourself beyond your vaccination and booster by wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing.
Protecting your health as you continue dialysis treatment
We are taking significant steps to reduce the chance of transmission of COVID-19 both in our dialysis centers and for any home visits. To learn how we’re working to keep you safe, please see our policies and procedures both for people on dialysis and for our care teams.
If you’re on in-center dialysis during covid-19
Staying on track with your in-center dialysis treatments is a very important part of being your healthiest and feeling your best. Find out how you can protect your health while visiting the center, look after your wellbeing, and get tips for adjusting to spending more time at home. Plus, learn about telehealth options and which care team appointments you may be able to have by phone or video conference.
If you’re on home dialysis during covid-19
Continuing your home dialysis treatments during COVID-19 may require you to do a little extra planning, so you can make sure you have everything you need right at home. Learn how you can take steps to stay safe, protect your health, and make sure you're prepared with supplies and food. Plus, find out about your telehealth options. To limit possible exposure to COVID-19, you may be able to have some care team appointments over the phone or by video conference instead of in the center.
4 steps you can take to stay safe
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people with underlying medical conditions—including people with chronic kidney disease or on dialysis, people with diabetes, and people ages 65 and older—are at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Following these simple steps can limit your exposure to COVID-19 infection:
- Stay home as much as possible
The best way to stay safe is to avoid being around people who are sick with COVID-19 or carrying COVID-19 and not showing any symptoms. If you must go out for dialysis or medical appointments, follow the guidelines for social distancing and stay at least 6 feet away from other people at all times. - Wash your hands often
Use soap and water, and wash for at least 40–60 seconds. If soap isn’t available, use a hand sanitizer that’s at least 60% alcohol.
Proper handwashing technique
Good hand hygiene helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 and prevent infection. Learn how to wash your hands the right way.
Watch video- Stock up on medications, food, and supplies
Make sure you have enough medications, kidney-friendly food, and medical supplies to last you 6 days. It’s best to have these items delivered to your home so you can avoid going out. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you get what you need.
FIND OUT HOW TO GET PREPARED - Get support when you need it
If you need help at any time, please reach out to your social worker or another care team member to get the answers or assistance you need. We are here for you!
LEARN HOW YOUR SOCIAL WORKER CAN HELP
Take control of your health with the covid-19 vaccine!
People on dialysis are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. Vaccines have been authorized by the FDA and CDC data suggests they are safe and highly effective. Be prepared to protect yourself, and learn more from the CDC.
Download vaccine facts now
Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask at your dialysis center. The CDC still recommends masks be worn in healthcare settings. It is especially important for people with weakened immune systems, like those on dialysis.
What to do if you think you are sick
Contact your doctor immediately if you feel unwell, have shortness of breath, or have a fever at or above 100.0º F.
- Every time you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze
- After you use the restroom
- Before you eat or prepare food
- After contact with pets
- Before and after caring for another person
WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST
“I was almost ready to stop treatment and give up, but Dr. Ramos and all of you have given me a better quality of life.”
– Fresenius Kidney Care Patient in Missouri
WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST
“I couldn’t be prouder of our company! We have everything we need to keep ourselves and our patients safe during this trying time.”
– Fresenius Kidney Care Nurse in North Carolina
WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP YOU FEEL YOUR BEST
“Your staff is incredible. It starts when I walk through the door and I am greeted with hellos from everyone who is working that day.”
– Fresenius Kidney Care Patient in Minnesota
How COVID-19 affects people with kidney disease
People on dialysis for kidney disease and people living with health conditions that can contribute to kidney disease, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, need to know that they are at a higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. While the direct impact of COVID-19 on kidney disease is not fully understood, research suggests there are some complications that people with kidney disease may experience.
TIPS FOR CARE PARTNER SAFETY DURING COVID-19
If you’re caring for someone with kidney disease, it’s important to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of infection for yourself and your loved ones.
Read MoreFrequent questions about COVID-19 and kidney disease
We‘re all learning how to cope with COVID-19 and how it impacts our daily lives. It‘s understandable to have questions like: How does COVID-19 spread? Should I get tested for COVID-19? What should I do if someone in my home gets sick with COVID-19? Fresenius Kidney Care is committed to providing you with the answers during this uncertain time and ensuring the safety of people living with chronic kidney disease.
Covid-19 home care tips
Find out how you can cope with mild illness due to COVID-19 and reduce further spread by following these best practices at home.
Learn more
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