Immunization and Infectious Diseases

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Kelina Phifer posted Sep 16, 2020 9:07 PM

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Immunization and Infectious Diseases

A disease prevention objective of healthy people 2020 is to increase immunization rates and reduce preventable infectious diseases. The health disparity associated with this goal is lack of vaccination compliance. The prevalence of childhood vaccine-preventable diseases can be significantly reduced through adherence to confirmed vaccination schedules. However, many barriers to vaccination compliance exist, including a lack of awareness regarding the importance of vaccines, missing due dates, and fear of complications from vaccinations. Vaccine requirements, including mechanisms of enforcement, are determined by state laws; no federal United States laws mandate vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In Oklahoma, every child entering the public-school system is required to have proof of a health assessment and proof of CDC recommended vaccination. This is great for children enrolled in the public-school system, however children who are homeschooled or enrolled in private schools may not be held accountable.

As nurse practitioners, we can advocate for vaccination compliance by educating the parents of the children we encounter. We can ease their doubts and concerns by addressing them head on and explaining the misconceptions that they may have regarding vaccinations, such as false side effects or reactions. A vaccination reminder app may be beneficial. A study evaluated the use of a vaccination reminder app and concluded that use of a vaccination reminder app increased vaccination compliance (Abahussin, & Albarrak, 2016). Perhaps introduction and implementation of a vaccination reminder app would be useful in my future practice.

Abahussin, A. A., & Albarrak, A. I. (2016). Vaccination adherence: Review and proposed model. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 9(6), 781-789. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jiph.2016.09.006

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office for State, Tribal, Local and Territorial Support State School Immunization Requirements and Vaccine Exemption Laws. CDC website. https://www.cdc.gov/phlp/docs/school-vaccinations.pdf.

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