The study results have demonstrated that the immunogenicity rate among patients receiving dialysis was 41% following the first dose and 89% following the second dose. Thus, it has been established that patients on dialysis were at a higher mortality risk from SARS-CoV-2 infection than those not on dialysis. Earlier immunogenicity rates have been reported in people who did not have end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). Therefore, in this study, immunogenicity rates were assessed among people with ESKD. 

The study results showed that the overall immunogenicity rate of the dialysis group was 86% (95% CI, 81%-89%). However, when compared with non-dialysis controls, patients in the dialysis group had a lower response rate after the first (relative risk [RR], 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47-0.79; I²=70.2%) and second (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.93; I²=72.2%) doses, with statistically significantly increased RR between the first and second doses (P=0.007). 

The findings have suggested that the immunogenicity rate following vaccination was lower in patients receiving dialysis. It has also been noted that diabetes may be a risk factor for nonresponse than individuals not receiving dialysis, especially after the first dose. Besides, the prevalence of diabetes had an inverse linear association with the immune response rate. 

It is important to mention here that vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is safe in patients with immunity-mediated kidney disease, although they have faulty immunological responses to vaccination. 

Reference

1. Chen JJ, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2021; 4: e2131749.
2. Prendecki M, et al. Nature Reviews Nephrology. 2021; 17: 790-791.