Posted: February 15th, 2023
Select a recent Health Care Legislature (within 5 years)
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Title: The Role of Nursing in Passing Legislatures on Adolescent Vaccination
Introduction Vaccination is an essential public health strategy that prevents the spread of communicable diseases. Adolescent vaccination, in particular, is critical in preventing the transmission of human papillomavirus (HPV) and reducing the incidence of cervical and other HPV-related cancers. This literature review aims to discuss the role of nursing in passing legislatures on adolescent vaccination. Specifically, the review will focus on the statistical data related to the issue, the population impacted, and health outcomes of the issue, and the nursing role in passing the legislature.
Population Impacted and Health Outcome of the Issue The HPV vaccination is recommended for adolescents aged 11-12 years, with catch-up vaccination recommended for those up to 26 years. Despite its effectiveness, the vaccination rates among adolescents remain low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2019, only 54% of adolescents aged 13-17 years had received the recommended doses of the HPV vaccine (CDC, 2021). Low vaccination rates contribute to an increased incidence of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, oropharyngeal, and anal cancers. In 2018, the American Cancer Society estimated that there were 13,240 new cases of cervical cancer in the United States, with an estimated 4,170 deaths (ACS, 2021).
Legislature and Nursing Role There is a need for legislatures to promote and enforce the vaccination of adolescents against HPV. The nursing profession can play a significant role in advocating for legislation aimed at increasing adolescent vaccination rates. In their study, Brewer et al. (2018) found that nurses were effective in advocating for state-level HPV vaccine policies, and their efforts led to an increase in the enactment of legislation. Nurses can work with legislators, community leaders, and stakeholders to promote vaccination legislation aimed at increasing awareness, education, and access to the HPV vaccine.
Nursing’s advocacy role in promoting vaccination legislation is crucial in addressing the barriers to adolescent vaccination. According to the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, barriers to vaccination include lack of awareness, provider hesitancy, and access and cost issues (NVHR, 2021). Nurses can provide education and counseling to parents and adolescents about the benefits of vaccination and address any concerns or misconceptions about the vaccine. They can also advocate for policies that increase access to the vaccine, such as school-based vaccination programs and reducing the cost of the vaccine.
In their study, Knight et al. (2020) found that nursing leadership was critical in advancing adolescent vaccination policies. They recommend that nurses engage in professional development opportunities to enhance their knowledge of vaccine policy and advocacy. Nurses can also participate in local and national organizations that advocate for vaccination policies, such as the National Association of School Nurses, the National Black Nurses Association, and the American Nurses Association.
Conclusion In conclusion, low vaccination rates among adolescents contribute to an increased incidence of HPV-related cancers. Nurses can play a critical role in passing legislatures aimed at increasing adolescent vaccination rates. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, nurses can promote awareness, education, and access to the HPV vaccine. The nursing profession must continue to engage in professional development and participate in local and national organizations that advocate for vaccination policies to promote adolescent vaccination.
References American Cancer Society
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