As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to ensure the health and safety of our patients; one of the most effective tools we have is immunization. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), an opportunity to draw attention to the critical role vaccines play in preventing diseases across all age groups.
Raising awareness about the importance of immunization, communities, organizations and health professionals can help increase immunization rates in their communities. It is important to educate your patients about the importance of staying up to date with their vaccinations. Many may express concern or ask questions about vaccines; as trusted health care providers, we are in the best position to provide accurate, science-based information. Utilize this time to reinforce the benefits of vaccines to help address misconceptions and remind patients of upcoming or overdue vaccines.
- Create a Welcoming Environment: Ensure your practice is inviting for discussions about vaccines. This could mean having educational materials readily available or displaying posters about vaccine preventable diseases.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest vaccine recommendations and guidelines from reliable sources,( i.e., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
- Personalized Conversations: Tailor discussions to address individual patient concerns and provide personalized vaccine recommendations based on their health history and risk factors. Use motivational interviewing as a tool to have effective conversations.
- Utilize the National Immunization Awareness Toolkit
- Engage in learning opportunities with CDC’s Immunization Education and Training courses
- Use the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor Mobile App to help make vaccine recommendations
- Use proven strategies to encourage parents and patients to stay up to date on vaccinations
- Share clear and accurate information about the latest vaccine recommendations, including COVID-19 vaccines and RSV vaccines.
Immunization is not just a personal health choice, it’s a community responsibility. By prioritizing immunizations, you’re not only protecting individual patients, but also contributing to the broader goal of public health. By incorporating these practices and utilizing available resources, you can enhance patient care and promote a healthier community through the power of immunization.
Additional Great Plains QIN Resources:
- NEW – National Immunization Awareness Month Poster (pictured below)
- NEW – 10 Reasons To Get Vaccinated Poster
- Motivational Interviewing Tip Sheet
- Great Plains QIN Vaccination Webpage
Focus 4 Health Series | Looking at Immunizations Through a Different Lens
Angle on Equity | Recording
Snapshot of Data and Immunization Information Systems | Recording
Zoom in on Vaccine Hesitancy | Recording
Framing Your Delivery of Vaccinations | Recording
Listen to our Podcast: Q-Tips For Your Ears!