With recent news reports of measles outbreaks in schools and child flu deaths, it could appear as though a large percentage of the population is forgoing vaccinations. Yet, reports from state and national organizations reveal vaccination coverage remains high among children.
Getting a Head Start on Flu Season: Planning and Pre-booking Vaccines
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) begins tracking each year's influenza, "flu," season in October, preparation begins long before autumn arrives. Providers and clinicians place advance orders, or “pre-book,” for vaccines for the upcoming flu season between January and March.
Reviewing the CDC’s Seven-Step Vaccine Administration Guidelines
Patients and providers alike benefit from staying up-to-date with vaccines. Often, the focus is on what patients can do; today, we turn our attention to clinicians. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that clinicians periodically review the seven steps to effective vaccine administration as they play a significant role in vaccine effectiveness.
Eliminated vs. Eradicated: Erasing Disease from History
In November of 2018, a few children contracted chickenpox at the Asheville Waldorf School in Asheville, N.C. By mid-November, a local newspaper reported 36 infections—the largest outbreak in the state since the chickenpox vaccine became available.
Online Vaccine Resources for Providers (and Patients)
Seasonal Flu Vaccinations: A Vital Part of a Healthcare Worker’s Care
It’s that time of year again – flu season. Many healthcare professionals will spend the next few months treating the thousands of patients who will contract the flu. Yet as doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals administer treatment to their patients, some may forget a vital part of preventive care – receiving their own seasonal flu vaccination.
Adults Need Vaccines Too: Improving Hepatitis B Uptake
HHS reports that an estimated 850,000 to 2.2 million people are living with HBV nationwide. With HBV vaccines available, clinicians and healthcare advocates can play a role in helping increase immunization rates and curb the spread of hepatitis B.
Adding Vaccines to the Back-To-School List
Healthy Vacations Start at Home
Approximately 60 million American households traveled in the past year—15%, or 9 million, of those to international destinations, according to travel research company, MMGY Global. As travelers prepare for their journeys, healthcare providers have the opportunity to remind them about appropriate travel vaccinations and provide information on destination-specific health risks. Particularly for international travelers, receiving the proper vaccinations helps ensure safe and healthy travels.
Playing Vaccine Catch-Up This Summer
Summer vacation often gives students of all ages a break from homework and classes. But, for healthcare professionals, summer appointments present an opportunity to educate young patients and parents about their recommended vaccine schedule. Providers can help patients catch up on their vaccines before they return to school to fulfill state-mandated immunization requirements and to protect patients and their fellow students from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Delivering Vaccines to Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable populations—children, seniors and homeless—are at higher risk of contracting many preventable diseases. With immunity developing, declining, or at risk, these groups are more likely to suffer from illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines. Health providers and vaccine advocates can help protect vulnerable populations by promoting vaccines to all populations and delivering vaccines to those who need it most.
Prevention is the Best Medicine
Each year, vaccines save more lives than seat belts.
In 2015, The Immunization Partnership reported on the yearly impact of vaccinations. The report’s juxtaposition of seatbelts and vaccinations, both used for preventing injury, illness and death, serves as a reminder that a view of vaccinations through the lens of preventive healthcare can be a helpful and healthful perspective.
Vaccinating for Two: Increasing Maternal Vaccine Uptake
During pregnancy, there are many preparations that expectant mothers may make before welcoming a newborn: purchasing a stroller, preparing a nursery, buying clothes, diapers, wipes and many other items. Another way expectant mothers can prepare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is vaccinating themselves against diseases, namely influenza and pertussis.
The Added Benefits of Flu Shots – Healthy Hearts in 2018
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Implementing Multi-Dose Vaccines
More than a decade has passed since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first recommended immunization against human papillomavirus (HPV), and yet despite significant promotion and awareness efforts, completion of the multi-dose series lags compared with other CDC-recommended vaccines.