Answer to a thread discussion

Order Description

WRITE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF FLU VACCINES IN PEDIATRIC POPULATION AND WHY I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT THAT SHE CHOSE THIS TOPIC FOR HER PROJECT.
Problem and Etiology
I recently took a position as an APRN in a clinic/family practice setting in the community with patient ages ranging from newborn to geriatric population. Preventative services are one of the focus of the clinic and promoting healthy lifestyle. An aspect of preventative services includes age appropriate immunizations including influenza vaccine. I noticed many of the parent of minors and other patients are declining the influenza vaccine. It was recommended that patient ages six months and older could be vaccinated for influenza if not contraindicated. Between 2014 and 2015, an estimate of only 43.6% of adult population got vaccinated with influenza vaccine (Brandt, Butland, Kwak, Yoo, Lee, & West, 2016). Influenza vaccine is intended to reduce individual’s risk of contracting the virus and preventing spreading the disease.
The purpose of the vaccine is to prevent against flu viruses and the associated complication, which can be extensive hospitalization, or even death. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that since 2010, hospitalization related to effects of influenza virus ranges between 140,000 to 710,000, and death related to influenza from the same year to be between 12,000 to 56,000 (CDC, 2016). This is an alarming report and a problem stemming from disease that can be prevented, or reduce mortality rate.
Many patient refuse the vaccine due to lack of understanding. Some says it make them susceptible to the virus while some says there is no positive effect, hence refusing the vaccine
Problem: Refusal of influenza Vaccine to minors in outpatient setting
Etiology: Patient’s lack of education and understanding of the effect of influenza vaccine
Patient education is one of the ways that this problem can be resolved. The issue that was noted will be presented to the clinical manager and the medical director of the clinic. The office personnel’s including the medical assistants (MA) in the office and the care provider will be educated on measures to screen and educate patients on the effect of influenza vaccine. Educating the staff and teaching strategies and educating the patient I believe will be supported by the medical director. Education will be used to improve the literacy and create awareness for the patient, highlight the effect influenza virus.
Reference
Brandt, M. D., Butland, M. D., Kwak, M. D., Yoo, M. D., Lee, M. D., & West, M. D. (2016).
Improving Influenza Vaccination Rates and Understanding Reasons for Patient Refusal
at Jefferson Hospital, Ambulatory Practice.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016. Key Facts About Seasonal Flu Vaccine.
Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm