Vaccination is one of the most effective public health measures to prevent infectious diseases and protect individuals and communities. As healthcare professionals, nurses play a crucial role in educating patients, administering vaccines, and ensuring adherence to vaccination schedules.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccines are designed to protect individuals from potentially severe, lifethreatening diseases by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. Vaccination has been shown to:
- Prevent Disease: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect against preventable diseases such as measles, polio, and influenza.
- Promote Herd Immunity: When a large percentage of a community is vaccinated, the spread of disease is limited, providing protection even to those who cannot be vaccinated (e.g., infants, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems).
- Decrease Healthcare Costs: Preventing diseases through vaccination reduces the need for expensive treatments and hospitalizations.
- Eradicate or Control Diseases: Vaccination programs have led to the eradication of smallpox and a significant reduction in other diseases like polio.
- Protect Public Health: Vaccines help protect individuals from outbreaks and reduce the spread of infections within communities.
Vaccination Schedule
The vaccination schedule followed in India is based on recommendations from health organizations like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
| Vaccine | Age | Dose | Route | Site |
| BCG | At birth | 0.1 ml (0.05
ml until 1 month) |
Intradermal | Left upper arm |
| Hepatitis B | At birth within 24 hours | 0.5 ml | Intra muscular | Anterio lateral side of mid-thigh |
| OPV-0 | At birth within 15 days | 2 drops | oral | Oral |
| OPV-1,2 &3 | At 6,10 &14 weeks | 2 drops | oral | Oral |
| Pentavalent | At 6,10 &14 weeks | 0.5ml | Intra muscular | Anterio lateral side of mid-thigh |
| Rota virus | At 6,10 &14 weeks | 5 drops | oral | Oral |
| DPT 1,2& 3 | 6,10 & 14 weeks | 0.5 ml | Intra muscular | Anterio lateral side of mid-thigh |
| IPV | 6 & 14 weeks | 0.1 ml | Intradermal | Right upper arm |
| Measles/ MR 1 | 9 & 12 months | 0.5 ml | subcutaneous | Right upper arm |
| Vitamin A- 1 | 9 months with MR | 1 ml | oral | Oral |
| DPT Booster | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | Intra muscular | Anterio lateral side of mid-thigh |
| Measles/ MR 2 | 16-24 months | 0.5 ml | subcutaneous | Right upper arm |
| OPV Booster | 16-24 months | 2 drops | oral | Oral |
| Vitamin A- 2 to 9 | 16-18 months | 2 ml | oral | Oral |
| DPT Booster | 5-6 years | 0.5 ml | Intra muscular | Upper arm |
| TT | 10 &16 years | 0.5 ml | Intra muscular | Upper arm |
The Role of Nurses in Vaccination Programs
Nurses are at the forefront of administering vaccines and educating patients about their benefits. Here are some key responsibilities nurses have in vaccination programs:
- Administering Vaccines: Nurses are responsible for administering vaccines to patients according to the vaccination schedule. This includes proper handling, storing, and documenting the administration of vaccines.
- Educating Patients and Families: Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of vaccination, the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the recommended schedule. This education can help reduce vaccine hesitancy and misconceptions.
- Monitoring and Managing Side Effects: After the administration of vaccines, nurses monitor for potential side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, or allergic reactions. Nurses should be prepared to handle any adverse reactions promptly.
- Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Nurses are in a prime position to engage with patients who may have concerns about vaccines. Providing clear, evidence-based information and addressing fears can help build trust in vaccination programs.
- Maintaining Records: Keeping accurate vaccination records is essential for tracking vaccine administration and ensuring that individuals receive timely boosters and necessary vaccinations.
- Advocating for Vaccination: Nurses can advocate for vaccination at the community and policy levels by promoting vaccination clinics, participating in public health campaigns, and working with other healthcare professionals to increase vaccine access.
Conclusion
Vaccinations are vital to preventing infectious diseases and maintaining public health. As nurses, we are responsible for ensuring that individuals follow the recommended vaccination schedules, providing education about the importance of immunization, and helping to address concerns and barriers related to vaccination. Through vaccination, we can significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve the health of individuals and communities worldwide.
By staying updated on vaccination schedules and continuing to educate and support our patients, nurses play a vital role in the success of vaccination programs and the overall health of the population.
Shahina B
5th Sem B.Sc. Nursing
