National Immunization Conference Blog Post
Speak Up to Nudge Up Vaccine Rates
U.S. Immunizations in a Time of Change
Immunizations in our country are among the top 10 greatest public health accomplishments. And your role, as a school nurse, at the beginning of each school year providing immunization record review, community referrals, and hosting immunization clinics, puts you in one of the driving seats behind this national accomplishment. But there is much work to be done, and you are in a trusted pivotal position to continue to strongly recommend the vaccines needed by school staff, students, and their families.
CDC hosted a gathering of immunization “friends” (including Dr. Anne Schuchat & Dr. William Schaffner) at the National Immunization Conference providing two days of immunization efforts – past, present, and future.
The CDC spotlighted some of the “old guard” vaccines in light of recent disease outbreaks. Pertussis vaccines are recommended for people of all ages, especially important for the protection of the most vulnerable infants. And measles, imported from other countries, is showing up where there are pockets of unvaccinated U.S. children and adults.
Rates are improving but they are still below national targets.
There was also a shout-out for seasonal influenza vaccination. Rates are improving but they are still below national targets. There is even more reason now to recommend the “ouchless” flu vaccine – the nasal spray has been shown to be more effective than the shot. And did you know they are working on a universal influenza vaccine which will make life so much easier each fall? And one more important question: as a healthcare worker, do you feel the ethical responsibility to also be vaccinated to protect those most vulnerable – the children you serve?
The HPV vaccine rates have been stagnant for girls and creeping up slowly for boys. This is a cancer prevention vaccine. While immunization leaders scratch their heads about what can be done, school nurses are front and center with 11 and 12-year-olds and their parents/guardians. A school nurse recommendation is a national strategy that can be used to bump up HPV vaccine rates, and other recommended adolescent vaccines.
Leave your mark on the future and make your voice heard.
While others struggle with exactly how to talk to parents/guardians, school nurses do this naturally. But did you know 95 percent of parents consult their people networks when deciding whether to vaccinate their children? School nurses must become part of their people networks.
School nurses have long been immunization advocates; you are doing awesome work now as you ensure students are in school and protected from vaccine-preventable diseases. Leave your mark on the future and make your voice heard. School nurses are part of the reason immunizations are one of the 10 greatest public health accomplishments in the United States.
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