DaVita Inc., a leading provider of kidney care services for those diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure, today announced that they have successfully vaccinated 85 percent of 110,000 DaVita® dialysis patients against influenza (flu). Today's announcement highlights DaVita's proven track record as a leading provider of kidney care services, setting the standard for superior clinical care.

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In December 2008, DaVita launched the Flu Fighter program designed to raise awareness of the importance of continuing flu vaccinations, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine in December, January, and beyond. By Dec. 31, 2008 DaVita had achieved an 85 percent patient vaccination rate.

Allen R. Nissenson, MD, Chief Medical Officer at DaVita states, "Vaccination is one of the most effective interventions available to save lives and prevent hospitalization in patients with chronic illness." Each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for influenza-related complications. Dr. Nissenson says, "Influenza vaccinations are one of the key areas of clinical focus in our company. Protecting our patients against influenza provides for better outcomes, healthier patients, DaVita teammates, and an overall better quality of care."

Because of the patient benefits, the flu vaccinations are available at no cost to all DaVita patients and teammates. The DaVita Flu Fighters immunization standards match those of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) initiative called Healthy People 2010. According to the latest data by the United States Renal Data System (USRDS), in 2006 only 60 percent of dialysis patients received flu vaccinations. DaVita's Flu Fighter Program has achieved a vaccination rate of more than 20 percent higher than the national average. "To put DaVita's achievement in context compared to other providers and the national average, in 2006 the top 20 percent of providers only achieved a 65-68 percent vaccination rate. DaVita's 85 percent vaccination rate is outstanding not only with dialysis providers but all national healthcare providers," says Dr. Nissenson.

DaVita is a registered trademark of DaVita Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

About DaVita Inc.

DaVita Inc., a FORTUNE 500® company, is a leading provider of kidney care in the United States, providing dialysis services and education for patients with chronic kidney failure and end stage renal disease. DaVita manages more than 1,400 outpatient facilities and acute units in more than 700 hospitals located in 43 states and the District of Columbia, serving approximately 110,000 patients. As part of DaVita's commitment to building a healthy, caring community, DaVita develops, participates in and donates to numerous programs dedicated to transforming communities and creating positive, sustainable change for children, families and our environment. For more information about DaVita, its kidney education materials and its community programs, please visit http://www.davita.com/.

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SOURCE: DaVita Inc.