The impact nurses have with regards to immunization and health care, is by being an advocate, and a resource used to educate people on the importance that vaccinations have on their overall health. According to a report given by the former American Nurse Association [ANA] President Karen Daley, “Registered nurses play a vital role in teaching patients, families, and communities about how to prevent disease…with pertussis, we are counting on nurses to be front-line defenders” (Zimlich, 2014, para. 3).
Registered nurses are effectively giving vaccines, refuting fears and misunderstandings, and providing education regarding the dangers of not being immunized (Zimlich, 2014). The ANA, who has a long-standing policy of supporting immunizations, has partnered with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] in a program called, Bringing immunity to every community (Zimlich, 2014). This program utilizes nurses to increase the use of the vaccinations, by providing knowledge and competency to the nurses, because nurses are with patients more often than other health care providers.
Nursing is a trusted profession where people are aware that their role is to care, advocate for, and educate on health (Evans, 2015). …show more content…
Prevention has become a primary focus for nurses to educate the public about the benefits of reducing preventable disease through vaccination. Nurses carry a significant influence by bringing awareness to increase the use of recommended immunizations. For example, school nurses can use evidence-based immunization strategies to increase vaccination rates. These plans include school-located vaccination clinics, reminders of vaccine schedules, and vaccine education for families, faculty, and students (NASN,