NASN position statement: immunizations

It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) that immunizations are a key to primary prevention of disease from infancy through adulthood. The school nurse is in a critical position to create awareness and influence action related to mandated and recommended immunizations in the school community. The school nurse can also provide leadership in the development of school-located immunization programs. NASN supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended vaccines; and federal, state, and local legislation that provides for the immunization of students and their families. In addition, NASN supports local and state policy that ensures reimbursement to schools that choose to provide immunizations to students. NASN also supports the development of an immunization registry in each state. "Immunization registries are confidential, population-based, computerized information systems that collect vaccination data about all children within a geographic area" (CDC, 2009a). By providing complete and accurate information on which to base vaccination decisions, registries are key tools to increase and sustain high immunization rates.