Nephrology Provider Perceptions about Recommending Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines: A Nationwide Survey.

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination rates for influenza and COVID-19 remain low among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nephrology care offers an opportunity to boost vaccination rates. Understanding provider perceptions can be key to developing effective intervention programs.

Methods: We conducted a nationwide survey among nephrology care providers. In a questionnaire, we assessed the providers' agreement with potential barriers to recommending influenza and COVID-19 vaccines and perceptions of selected vaccination programs on their acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.

Results: Between February and June 2023, 312 providers responded to the survey. Most providers agreed that there is sufficient evidence for influenza vaccines (270/311, 86.8%) and that vaccines reduce the risk of serious complications of influenza (277/310, 89.4%). However, 40/312 (12.8%) felt that recommending influenza vaccines is less important than other issues they must address. By profession, more physicians agreed with the evidence (112/123 or 91.1% vs. 39/49 or 79.5% for NPs and 83/101 or 82.2% for RNs, p = 0.007) than nurse practitioners (NPs) or nurses (RNs). The most perceived barrier was lack of self-efficacy: 95/311 (30.5%) felt that many patients will not get vaccinated even if they recommend it. Similar responses were seen for COVID-19 vaccines. Regarding vaccination programs, 209/235 (88.9%), 197/224 (87.9%), and 183/222 (82.4%) providers considered provider reminders acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. 209/239 (87.4%), 198/226 (87.6%), and 187/224 (83.5%) did so for standing orders. Onsite/walk-in vaccinations were viewed as acceptable by 192/242 (79.3%) but less feasible (137/222 or 61.7%). Fewer than 33% of providers perceived patient incentives as acceptable, appropriate, or feasible.

Conclusions: Most nephrology care providers believe that influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations offer evidence-based benefits, with slightly higher belief among physicians compared to NPs or RNs. However, important barriers to vaccination remain. Standing orders, provider reminders, and onsite/walk-in vaccination are favorably perceived by providers.