Immunizations
In addition to treating ill patients, nurses, along with ANA, strive to promote public health and well being. Much of this work is done through the development and implementation of prevention programs, such as immunizations. Prevention plays a large role in the overall health of a community and immunizations can keep a patient safe as well as stopping infectious diseases from spreading. Nurses are advocates for the health of the patient and the more knowledge they share, the better able people will be to make informed decision about getting a vaccination or having their children vaccinated.
The first step is for nurses themselves to have up-to-date immunizations. Less than half of all health care professionals receive the flu vaccination each year. Because influenza annually leads to 200,000 hospitalizations, resulting from complications, and 36,000 deaths each year, nurses who are vaccinated against the virus not only safeguard themselves, but they also help protect their patients, their families and their communities.
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See the Inside menu at the top of the column to the left for information about seasonal influenza and H1N1. |
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