Acceptance of vaccination against COVID-19 among peritoneal dialysis patients in Senegal

Abstract

Introduction
The aim of this study was to assess vaccination coverage among peritoneal dialysis patients and to identify factors associated with non-vaccination.
Patients and methods
This was a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted over a 6-month period in 4 peritoneal dialysis units. Patients on peritoneal dialysis for at least 3 months were included.
Results
Forty-nine patients were included in our study. Of these, 30 (61.2%) were vaccinated against COVID-19, with a sex ratio of 0.8. Eighty-three percent of patients had received 2 doses. Of these, 63.3% had received the AstraZeneca vaccine, 33.3% Sinopharm, and 3.4% Johnson & Johnson. Adverse events were mainly pain at the inoculation site in 100% of cases and influenza-like illness in 25%. The reason for non-vaccination in 42% of cases was fear of vaccine side effects and/or minimization of the severity of COVID-19. Among vaccinated patients, 2 (6.6%) had tested positive for COVID-19 after vaccination, including one with a severe form 3 months after vaccination. The average age of vaccinated patients was significantly higher (47.6 years) than that of non-vaccinated patients (37.6 years) (p=0.048).
Conclusion
It is vital to continue applying COVID-19 prevention measures in the various peritoneal dialysis centers, and to encourage vaccination or completion of vaccination schedules, particularly in younger patients.