Immunizations and the Responsibility of the Emergency Nurse Position Statement-Immunizations and the Responsibility of the Emergency Nurse Position Statement

Pdf Summary

Immunizations are a crucial public health achievement, preventing morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern, leading to lower vaccination rates and an increased risk of disease outbreaks. Emergency nurses play a vital role in promoting immunizations and ensuring the safety of their patients. It is the position of the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) that emergency nurses should receive recommended vaccinations, including the COVID-19 vaccine, and advocate for vaccination for everyone. They should also screen and document the immunization status of all patients and stay informed about vaccine risks, benefits, effectiveness, and safety. Emergency nurses should promote community awareness of the consequences of underimmunization and collaborate with colleagues and regulatory organizations to increase immunization coverage.<br /><br />Immunizations have been successful in eliminating or reducing diseases like smallpox, polio, and diphtheria. However, concerns about vaccine safety, such as the link between vaccines and autism, persist despite scientific evidence debunking these claims. The National Academy of Medicine has concluded that there is no causal relationship between vaccines and autism. While vaccines can have rare adverse effects, they are generally mild compared to the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases.<br /><br />Healthcare workers, including emergency nurses, have a responsibility to protect the safety of their patients by getting vaccinated. Immunization of healthcare workers against influenza, for example, has been shown to enhance patient safety and reduce morbidity and mortality. Emergency nurses should also advocate for vaccination and educate patients and families about the importance of vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations. They should be up to date on recommended vaccines themselves to reduce the risk of spreading vaccine-preventable diseases.<br /><br />In conclusion, emergency nurses have a crucial role in promoting immunizations and protecting the health of their patients and communities. They should receive recommended vaccinations, advocate for vaccination, screen patients' immunization status, stay informed about vaccines, and promote community awareness. By fulfilling these responsibilities, emergency nurses can contribute to preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases and improving public health.

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Keywords

Immunizations

Public health

Vaccine-preventable diseases

Vaccine hesitancy

Emergency nurses

COVID-19 vaccine

Vaccination advocacy

Immunization status

Vaccine risks

Vaccine benefits