COVID-19 Resource Center

Our Commitment to Delivering the COVID-19 Vaccine

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on our nation and healthcare systems, we will continue providing the most up-to-date, valuable information to our employees, physicians, and patients. We are working hard to get access to as many doses as possible of the COVID-19 vaccine for our frontline workers and the patients we serve.

Understanding the Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines

Michael Kraus, MD on the Safety and Effectiveness of the COVID-19 Vaccine

After receiving the vaccine, you might develop a low fever and experience minor body aches or chills. This is perfectly normal. It means that your body is beginning to build immunity to the COVID-19 virus. It does not mean that you have COVID-19—in fact, because the vaccines were developed without the use of the actual virus, transmission is impossible. While this has been a difficult year, we can beat COVID-19 if we work together. Please protect you and your loved ones by getting vaccinated and remember to wear a mask, wash your hands, and maintain social distancing.

Crystal Grate, Senior Manager of Infection Prevention, Stop the Spread with the COVID-19 Vaccine

This pandemic has been a long road for all of us, but the vaccines are a beacon of hope. To fulfill our mission of life-sustaining care, we must work together to end COVID-19. And the best way to do that is to use the vaccines granted for use by the FDA because they are safe and highly effective. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, get vaccinated.

Felicia Speed, VP Social Work Services, Protect Yourself & Loved Ones with the COVID-19 Vaccine

This pandemic has been a long road for all of us, but the vaccines are a beacon of hope. To fulfill our mission of life sustaining care, we must work together to end COVID-19. And the best way to do that is to use the vaccines granted for use by the FDA, because they are safe and highly effective. Protect yourself, protect your loved ones, get vaccinated.

Jeffrey Hymes, MD, on Getting Vaccinated for Protection and Immunity

The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way for us to end this global pandemic. Each of the available vaccines has undergone rigorous safety testing and each is effective. Most importantly they are the best bet for immunity. We do not know whether or not a natural infection produces long-lasting immunity, simply put natural immunity is not a guarantee. We have to use science and technology to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please join us and get vaccinated.

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Reflecting on the COVID-19 Volunteer Experience

Director of Operations and Registered Nurse, Allison, watched COVID-19 intensify in New Jersey this spring and felt compelled to rally a team to volunteer. The team left their home clinics in North Carolina and traveled north to support patients and local staff. They share the life-changing impact the experience had on them.

Innovating to Keep Our Patients Safe

Flu Season and COVID-19

As flu season begins amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leading health experts are raising concerns around addressing two serious illnesses at the same time.

Human kidney cross section on scientific background

New Study Strongly Links COVID-19 to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

Evidence suggests that COVID-19 not only damages the lungs, but also the kidneys, resulting in emergency dialysis.

Expanding Telehealth to Support Our Patients

We have taken steps to expand teleheath and other technologies to reduce the possibility of exposure with in-person visits.

Responding During a Time of Need

We are providing dialysis machines to hospitals due to increase in patients with acute kidney injury.

LEARN MORE

Important Steps We've Implemented for Our Patients and Staff

SCREENING
All individuals entering the center are screened for fever and cough, as well as for potential COVID-19 contact risk. Any individuals who are COVID-19 positive or identified as persons under investigation (PUIs) are transferred to receive their dialysis in a separate environment or a hospital.

PATIENT SAFETY
Strict handwashing on entering and leaving the center is firmly enforced. All patients are asked to wear masks while in the center waiting room and treatment area.

STAFF SAFETY
All staff members wear masks, full protective gowns, and gloves while in close contact with patients in any area.

CENTER SAFETY
Our centers are intensively disinfected on a daily basis and visitors are not currently permitted.

Evidence-based Insights

The COVID-19 Pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel betacoronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Simulation of Pool Testing

Specimens from patients with suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) undergo real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection.

Activating a Global Pandemic Master Plan

Although the scope and scale of the COVID-19 crisis is unique, the lessons learned in responding to both natural disasters and the previous SARS and MERS outbreaks have been essential to the pandemic plan.

Helpful Resources and FAQs to Support Patient Care

COVID-19 FAQs

COVID-19 Info for Patients

Field Notes Podcast: Together, Transforming Healthcare

Bringing together leading experts at the forefront of kidney disease research and patient care, Field Notes is an engaging forum discussing the latest developments, innovations, and trends that seek to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with chronic disease.

LISTEN HERE

Showing Support for Our Staff and Families

During this unprecedented time, it's important to acknowledge those who continue to provide life-sustaining dialysis care for our patients across the country. The FMCNA Family Project is a great opportunity for you and your loved ones to share a letter or artwork to show your support for all the front-line staff working in our centers. Additionally, for families looking to educate their children about kidney disease, The Kidney Kid Initiative provides fun, interactive resources to do so in the comfort of your home.

Updated January 31, 2021

COVID-19 Resource and
Education Center

Our Commitment to Delivering the COVID-19 Vaccine

Understanding the Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines

Michael Kraus, MD on the Safety and Effectiveness of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Crystal Grate, Senior Manager of Infection Prevention, Stop the Spread with the COVID-19 Vaccine

Felicia Speed, VP Social Work Services, Protect Yourself & Loved Ones with the COVID-19 Vaccine