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The Journal of School Nursing
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Feature Article

Immunization Controversy: Understanding and Addressing Public Misconceptions and Concerns

Judy K. Blackford, RN, BSN, MSN(c)

Judy Blackford, RN, BSN, MSN(c) is a graduate student at San Diego State University, completing the requirements for a Master of Science in Community Health with a specialization in school nursing. She is currently employed as a school nurse for San Diego City Schools in San Diego, CA

School nurses often meet with parents who are reluctant to immunize their children. This reluctance is based on widely publicized stories about vaccine safety. Illnesses that are preventable by vaccines have become almost nonexistent, and consequently, vaccine safety concerns have increased in prominence. Often a negative report about the risk of a particular vaccine is released by the media and on the Internet before scientific evidence has been obtained. To adequately respond to parental concerns, school nurses should be aware of the historical impact of vaccine safety issues and the vaccine-related fears that are prevalent at the present time. Nurses also need to be provided with scientifically accurate information so that risk-benefit concerns regarding vaccine safety can be effectively communicated to parents. In this way, school nurses can play an important role in ensuring that the student population and the community are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Key Words: education • prevention • school nursing • vaccine

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 17, No. 1, 32-37 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/105984050101700105
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