Back to school. For man the phrase evokes memories of new notebooks and new pencils. A quick Google News search turns up stories of back to school health fairs and immunization clinics for students. But the kids are not the only ones for who back to school is the perfect time to think about health. Adults need immunizations too.
In our recent publication, Advocacy for Vaccines, we review a number of reasons that adults don’t get immunized and how school nurses and allied health professionals can become vaccine advocates.
- Beliefs about safety and efficacy. Many adults have seen news stories with misleading, confusing, or erroneous information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Much of this incorrect information focuses on what CDC and other reliable agencies have determined to be the nonexistent link between autism and vaccination in children.
- Beliefs and attitudes about the need for vaccines. Because earlier vaccine campaigns have been so successful in almost eradicating disease like polio, measles, and pertussis, many adults in this country have not been exposed to the serious and sometimes deadly effects of these diseases.
- Access to immunization. For some adults, lack of access to vaccines is a barrier to immunization. The lack of access can range from lack of insurance coverage to a lack of knowledge about where or how to get free or low cost immunization.
- Knowledge about vaccines. Even people who are generally supportive of immunization as a public health practices may not be aware of all the vaccines that are available or recommended.
Whatever the reason, too many adults are not getting the shots they need. As you plan your back to school activities, it’s a great time to learn more about how you can be a vaccine advocate.
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