Promoting Childhood Immunizations

• Describes vaccine-hesitant or -resistant parents
• Offers detailed information about:○The CDC/FDA reporting systems for vaccine adverse events○The FDA regulatory process for vaccine approval and postmarketing surveillance
• Review common concern and questions patients may have about vaccination and offers answers and background information.

Immunization was perhaps the single most beneficial public health measure of the 20th century. Vaccine manufacturers work in tandem with government, academic, and nongovernmental agencies to develop safe and effective vaccines that decrease health costs and improve compliance. Despite overwhelming evidence of vaccine safety, suspicion and misconception continues in small groups of hesitant or resistant parents, often leading to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable infections. On the front lines of vaccination, nurse practitioners can improve vaccination rates by developing a trusting relationship with parents and being armed with information based on sound clinical evidence.