One of the questions families often ask is:

“Doctor, my father has kidney disease. Should he take vaccines?”

The answer is simple.

Yes. And the best time is before he gets an infection—not after.

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a weaker immune system. As kidney function declines, the body becomes less able to fight infections. What may be a simple flu in a healthy person can become pneumonia, hospitalization, or even life-threatening illness in someone with kidney disease.

That is why vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect kidney patients.

When should he get vaccinated?

When should he get vaccinated?

• If your father:
• Is over 60 years of age
• Has chronic kidney disease
• Is on dialysis
• Or is being evaluated for a kidney transplant
• Don’t wait. Vaccinate as early as possible.

For patients waiting for a kidney transplant, vaccines are best completed before transplantation, because medicines taken after transplant suppress the immune system and reduce the body’s response to vaccines.

Which vaccines are recommended?

Which vaccines are recommended?

• Influenza (Flu vaccine) – Every year
• Pneumococcal vaccine – Protects against pneumonia and serious bacterial infections
• PCV followed by PPSV23, as advised by your doctor
• Hepatitis B vaccine – Especially important for patients on dialysis or those likely to need dialysis
• COVID-19 vaccine and recommended boosters – As per current national recommendations
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine – Recommended for adults aged 60 years and above
• Tdap/Tetanus booster – Every 10 years

Are these vaccines safe?

Are these vaccines safe?

Yes.

Most recommended vaccines are safe for people with kidney disease, including those receiving dialysis.

If someone has already received a kidney transplant or is taking medicines that suppress the immune system, certain live vaccines may not be suitable. Your nephrologist will guide you.

Remember…

What do vaccines help prevent?

Vaccines don’t just prevent infections.

• They reduce:
• Hospital admissions
• Serious complications
• Antibiotic use
• Missed dialysis sessions

And, most importantly, they help protect quality of life.

One message to remember

One message to remember…

Your father spent years protecting you from illness.

Now it’s your turn to protect him.

A simple vaccine today can prevent a serious infection tomorrow.

For kidney patients, prevention is one of the best treatments we have.