Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy Among Students and Families: Interventions for School Nurses

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Nursing Practice
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Vaccine hesitancy is a significant public health challenge impacting community health, particularly concerning pediatric vaccine-preventable diseases.
• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated vaccine hesitancy, making school nurses' roles in promoting vaccine compliance critical.
• School nurses are integral to vaccine promotion, providing health education and conducting surveillance within school districts.

Approach:

• This article reviews historical vaccine mandates and current challenges in achieving vaccine compliance.
• It outlines interventions school nurses can implement to address vaccine hesitancy in students and families.
• The nursing process is highlighted as a framework for identifying unvaccinated students and evaluating hesitancy.

Key Points:

• School nurses play a vital role in promoting vaccine compliance through education and surveillance.
• Building trusting relationships and engaging in compassionate dialogue are effective strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy.
• Cost-efficient interventions can facilitate education and improve vaccine uptake in schools.

Conclusions:

• School nurses are essential in managing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring community health.
• Implementing targeted interventions and fostering open communication can enhance vaccine compliance.
• Proactive nursing strategies are crucial for mitigating the impact of vaccine hesitancy on public health.