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Fresenius Medical Care North America (“FMCNA”), the North American division of Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), recently revealed that, from October 2011, it will offer its patients as well as clinical employees a yearly flu vaccine, as a precaution against both H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Flu is a serious condition for dialysis patients suffering from kidney failure and can cause pneumonia among other conditions. Fresenius’ flu vaccination program reflects its UltraCare mission of providing top-class, patient-centric care. More information can be found at the company website.

As per advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), patients with chronic kidney disease (“CKD”) should receive the vaccine annually. CKD is a degenerative, often permanent, decline in kidney function that occurs over time. When CKD leads to kidney failure, or End Stage Renal Disease (“ESRD”), dialysis or kidney transplant is the only treatment option.

Dialysis is a life-preserving process that cleanses waste from the blood stream, removes superfluous fluids and regulates the chemistry of the body when a person suffers from kidney failure. Patients need regular dialysis treatment unless they receive a kidney transplant.

Fresenius advises that patients should contact their nearest Fresenius clinic to find out the specific flu vaccination timetable. Besides taking the vaccine, Fresenius provides tips on how to avoid catching the flu, such as, thoroughly and frequently washing hands with soap and water; abstaining from touching the mouth, nose and eyes; informing dialysis providers if one has symptoms of the flu and letting the clinician know if someone has already received a flu shot from another source. 

Fresenius is the largest provider of dialysis products and services on the planet. The company operates a network of about 2,769 dialysis clinics across North America and overseas markets to provide dialysis treatment to approximately 216,942 patients worldwide. Fresenius’ principal competitor in the U.S. is DaVita Inc. (DVA), which also provides dialysis services to patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or ESRD.

 
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