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As a nurse practitioner for over a decade and a relatively new mom, I have very strong opinions about vaccinations. I have unfortunately seen many vaccine preventable illnesses such as measles, mumps, varicella, rotavirus, HIB and pertussis to name a few. It infuriates me when I hear that people choose not to vaccinate for silly and unfounded reasons.
What are some successful methods you have used to educate patients and parents on the benefits of vaccinating according to the schedule???
Thank you!
I give them resources. I take them through how I am required to vet information when I am writing. It's circumspect but it works about half the time. I give them information I have and the tools to find true, reliable sources. So they come away with education and the means to investigate all questions better.
I work with peds. Some of my kids cannot be vaccinated.
There is plenty of misinformation and fear out there. Inviting people into better understanding and knowledge is easier than sufferring the consequence. Even if inside i am cringing and crying.
Carry on, pass the kielbasa.
Like the one that many TRULY believe, that if you say "It's quiet today" on your shift, things will start to go crazy on the unit/ER?
Oh now don't even get me started on this myth. Just about everyone knows I link researchs studies that disprove this one. And I'm not well-liked for taking away the fun part of being in the medical field.
As for the original question.
I studied, took a course from Dr. Paul Offit, and read research about vaccines, and learned a lot from being a member of AN.
When I discuss vaccines with people, I use the scientific research behind the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
One anecdotal tidbit is my eldest son has Multiple Myeloma. He had a stem cell transplant which means prior to the transplant, his immune system had to be destroyed. Which means there was no memory of any vaccine he'd ever had. His immune system after the transplant was like a newborn babe. His doctor told me he now has two birthdays; the day he was actually born and the day his immune system was destroyed. After a certain amount of time passed, he started getting immunized.
In the meantime, he was immune-compromised and his family was advised to be sure to get their flu shots and to stay away from him if they were sick. Unfortunately, we had some family members who refused to get a flu shot to protect him. In my opinion, that was unkind and selfish.
No matter how much scientific research I showed them, they used the anti-vax myths to justify their stance.
It is hard for me at times to have the patience that some of the NP's on this thread have shown their patients. I applaud you, again, for keeping up the good work.
MANY posts have been removed. If you desire a discussion on vaccines including anti-vaccines, please start another topic. This OP is: What are some successful methods you have used to educate patients and parents on the benefits of vaccinating according to the schedule???
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Final warning for everyone.
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