The latest advice from the Australian Government for people living with CKD and/or immunosuppressed (including transplants) and/or on dialysis
Updated 14 Feb 2022
Omicron:
The current wave of infection in Australia and across the world is driven by the Omicron variant. An Omicron sub – variant BA.2 (‘Son of Omicron’) has been detected in small numbers in Australia. It is being watched closely and may be more contagious.
Vaccination:
The data is becoming clear that the primary plan for COVID – 19 vaccination is 3 doses. For individuals who are immunosuppressed it is 4 doses.
Consider getting the Flu vaccination when it is available.
Testing:
Rapid antigen tests (RATS) are convenient tools to detect the COVID - 19 virus in nasal secretions or saliva.
There are three key concepts to understanding how accurate RATs are: Sensitivity (true positive result), specificity (true negative) and pre - test probability (the likelihood a person has COVID – 19 based on their clinical symptoms, exposure history and/or the background community rate of infection).
What to do if get COVID – 19:
If you get a positive test result, you must isolate straight away. We advise you prepare and put together a 'COVID' plan - what to do if in isolation.
If you test positive on RAT then notify your state or territory health department (What to do if you get COVID-19 | Australian Government Department of Health).
Notify people you were associating with in the days leading up to the positive test.
If you are concerned, call the National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080 National Coronavirus Helpline | Australian Government Department of Health
Treatments:
Treatments are emerging that, if administered early, can change the course of the disease. The following are considered for non – hospitalised people with mild to moderate COVID – 19 who are at risk of progressing to severe disease.
Speak to your GP, nephrologist or kidney unit as soon as possible.
We’re here to help you during these difficult times. Our Kidney Helpline can answer your kidney health queries, COVID - 19 questions and help connect you to services. Call today on 1800 454 363 or email Kidney.Helpline@kidney.org.au
COVID -19 Vaccine
It is best advised that you speak with your treating doctor about the COVID-19 vaccine and what will be best for your health.
With information changing rapidly in regards to vaccine availaibility and eligibility, we recommend you regularly check the Australian Government website for up-to-date information about the rollout, including timelines.
To read more about the need for vaccination for people with kidney disease, read the joint statement from the ANZSN COVID-19 Working Group here.
Even with vaccination, physical distancing, mask wearing masks and safe hand hygiene continue to be very important measures to protect from COVID - 19.
Download the media release: People with kidney disease and kidney transplants urged to get the COVID-19 vaccineLearn all about COVID-19, the symptoms and how to stay safe.
For people living with kidney disease, such as those on dialysis or transplanted, the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks. Learn more.
Find out how to manage the COVID-19 crisis if you're on dialysis.
Find out how to manage the COVID-19 crisis and what you need know about the vaccine if you have a transplant.
Find out how to manage the COVID-19 crisis if you are from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
Find out how to protect your child with kidney disease during the COVID-19 crisis.
We're hosting regular webinars for health professionals to help inform them on how to care for kidney patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more.
There is a large amount of unverified information circulating on social media. It is important that you seek information on coronavirus from trusted sources.
Visit the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Information Page. This page is regularly updated with the latest information.
If you have questions about coronavirus please call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The WHO has a large range of global resources and information visit the World Health Organisation Advice for the Public Page.
Health professionals can get up-to-date information and best practice care advice on the COVID-19 Evidence website.
Transplant Australia have resources, videos and updates on staying safe with your transplant visit their website.