The development of vaccines and their wide use in the twentieth century enabled people to solve numerous public health concerns and control the spread of dangerous infectious diseases such as measles or polio. Moreover, it has been declared that smallpox was completely eradicated in 1980, and polio is almost eradicated from the world (Bowling, 2018). Nevertheless, the current trends that are apparent on the global scale threaten the gains of the past as people are becoming less positive about vaccinations, which leads to numerous outbreaks of serious infections (Hotez, 2019). The decreasing rate of vaccinated people is becoming a serious public health issue worldwide, including the USA, as the entire nations can be potentially affected. Therefore, it is critical to address this issue, and patient education can be one of the measures to be undertaken.
When considering the most affected populations, new generations can be seen as the group that are at the highest risk as contemporary parents refuse to vaccinate their children. However, as mentioned above, a lower level of immunization will lead to epidemics that may result in serious adverse health outcomes for a larger population due to various complications (Bowling, 2018). Hence, the target population for educational incentives should address new parents, as well as future parents (middle- and high-school students). The major focus is now on educating parents, while initiatives should include new generations as well, which can be implemented through the educational and healthcare settings. Healthcare facilities, including health centers, can be the platform for raising adults’ awareness of the issue while schools must become the centers for the spread of the corresponding data (Powell et al., 2019). Students should receive the necessary information on the matter and can be change agents in the nearest future.
Health promotion incentives should be delivered through health centers, hospitals, and schools. Infographics on these institutions’ websites, handouts, and educational sessions should become the major components of this initiative. The primary goal of this effort is to educate people on the impact of the decreasing rate of immunization and current trends that are taking place in Miami and nationwide. Parents and students taking part in the sessions will receive data regarding the illnesses, symptoms, treatment, and associated hazards. Sufficient details concerning vaccines and vaccination process will be delivered during these sessions as well. The target population should understand the major mechanisms and outcomes. Finally, educators will address the existing myths and fears making people refuse to vaccinate and vaccinate their children. Of course, the provided materials should be age-appropriate and user-oriented. The trainers, who will take part in the project, will use simple language without utilizing complex terms in order to make their message clear. The major educational goal of the suggested health promotion program is the sufficient level of knowledge about the hazards of low vaccination rates for the community and individuals.
In conclusion, it is possible to state that new parents and middle- and high-school students should be involved in the educational project aimed at raising people’s awareness of the benefits of immunizations. The target population should receive information about symptoms and reasons for outbreaks of dangerous diseases, as well as potential patient outcomes on different levels. People should learn about the possible consequences of their choices to make correct decisions. The program can contribute to making Americans more responsible and willing to vaccinate their children.
References
Bowling, A. M. (2018). Immunizations – nursing interventions to enhance vaccination rates. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 42, 126-128. Web.
Hotez, P. J. (2019). Immunizations and vaccines: A decade of successes and reversals, and a call for ‘vaccine diplomacy’. International Health, 11(5), 331-333. Web.
Powell, C., Nunery, C., Hays, S., & Curry, K. (2019). Moving childhood immunizations out of the public health setting: Effects on immunization rates. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 21(1), 21-28. Web.