COVID-19: How to Protect Yourself

Important Information about COVID-19 and People with Chronic Kidney Disease

As we adjust to life with COVID-19, recommendations on how to manage risk continue to evolve, and it’s important to have access to as much reliable information as possible.

People living with kidney disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19, so your transition to a “new reality” may look different compared to others. You will need to make the decisions that are best for you. Talk to your healthcare team. They can help answer your questions and provide information, strategies, and resources to help.

The Ontario Renal Network has a COVID-19 and Chronic Kidney Disease page at https://www.ontariorenalnetwork.ca/en/kidney-care-resources/living-with-chronic-kidney-disease/covid-19

BC Renal also offers information on COVID-19 for patients, with some documents available in English, Chinese and Punjabi as well: http://www.bcrenal.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/novel-coronavirus-(covid-19)

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) maintains an Outbreak Update page.

Transplant candidates can get more information on COVID-19 implications from Canadian Blood Services at COVID-19 Information. Questions and Answers: Organs and Tissue

Masking

COVID-19 still exists in our communities, and new variants continue to emerge. Although all types of masks and respirators can be effective in stopping the spread and infection of COVID-19, as long as they’re the best fitting and the best quality available to you, medical masks and respirators provide better protection than non-medical (cloth) masks. If you’re opting for non-medical (cloth) masks, Health Canada recommends using masks that fit well and are used properly, that are made of at least 2 layers of tightly woven breathable fabric, like cotton and contain a middle layer of filter-type fabric, like non-woven polypropylene, to improve filtration.

It’s especially important to wear a mask in public indoor settings if you’re at risk of more serious disease or outcomes, or if you are around other people who are.

For more advice on when to wear a mask, what type of mask to choose, and more, visit the Government of Canada’s website on COVID-19 mask use.

Vaccines

Vaccines provide an important layer of protection against COVID-19 for yourself, your family, and your community. Most provinces and health authorities now recommend three full doses of vaccine and boosters for those at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. This includes people with chronic conditions like kidney disease, as well as transplant recipients. If you haven’t already done so, speak with your health care team about your personal situation.

Newer vaccines target the original strain and the Omicron strain and have recently been approved for use in Canada.

For general information from Health Canada on COVID-19 vaccines, including authorized vaccines, types of vaccines and ongoing safety monitoring, visit their Vaccines for COVID-19 page.

For further guidance on vaccines for people with kidney disease:

The Ontario Renal Network has prepared a FAQ on vaccines and CKD.
BC Renal offers additional information in English, Chinese and Punjabi: http://www.bcrenal.ca/health-info/prevention-public-health/novel-coronavirus-(covid-19)

All pre- and post-transplant patients are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. For more information, speak to your healthcare provider or visit BC Transplant COVID-19 Information for patients page.

Transplant recipients may also wish to consult the Canadian Society of Transplantation’s National Transplant Consensus Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine.

Please note that people who are immunocompromised, such as dialysis or transplant patients, should continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing measures and wash your hands well and frequently, even if they have been vaccinated. Even a full course of vaccination may not result in complete protection, and extra precautions should still be taken.

Treatments

Although masks and social distancing are considered the first layer of protection against COVID-19, medical treatments and prevention options are available for the immunocompromised community. Several treatments and preventative medications have been approved by Health Canada to help prevent or treat mild to moderate COVID-19.

For more information about treatments for COVID-19, visit https://covid-vaccine.canada.ca/

For transplant recipients, BC Transplant has information on testing and treatments: http://www.transplant.bc.ca/Documents/Health%20Professionals/BCT-COVID-19-Update-Treatments-2022-04-13.pdf

Travel

It’s best to be informed before you make any travel plans. If you’re planning to travel internationally, check the Government of Canada’s travel advisories at https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. You can also visit the World Health Organization website to see where COVID is more prevalent and where the risk of community transmission is high.

While traveling, maintain social distancing as much as possible, continue to wash your hands well and frequently, as well as wearing high-quality, well-fitting masks: https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid

Mental Health

With all the implications COVID-19 has had on our lives, many of us have been struggling mentally to cope with the pandemic and life especially as some populations have transitioned to the “new reality” while the immunocompromised community must continue abiding by stricter health guidelines to ensure their safety.

We urge to talk to a specialist and your care team about your mental health struggles. You can also find some additional resources and information on how to cope with COVID-19 on The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s website: https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/covid19/

Resources and Useful Links

"STOP - No Visitors" door signs to download and print:

Provincial renal agencies monitoring the situation closely and providing guidelines for patients: 

Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line:
1 833 784-4397