Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion
Vaccinations Across the Human Lifespan
Vaccination plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by stopping the transmission of infectious diseases. The recommendations for vaccination differ depending on a person’s age, overall health, and lifestyle choices. These factors are taken into consideration when determining the appropriate immunization schedule for individuals at different stages of life. This discussion compares the differences in immunizations that are recommended for different patient age groups and explains how these immunizations might impact patients who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppressive therapy. Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion
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Immunization Recommendations for Different Age Groups
Vaccines are essential for children to protect them against diseases such as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP), Polio (IPV), Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Hepatitis B, Varicella (chickenpox), Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV13), Rotavirus, and Influenza (annually) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U S), 2021). From ages 11 to 24, it is recommended for both males and females to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. This vaccination typically starts at age 11-12, with the option for catch-up vaccination up to age 26 if not previously vaccinated (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 2020). Additionally, the Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) should be administered with the first dose at age 11-12 and a booster at age 16. A booster dose of the Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is also recommended at age 11-12. Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion
Annual influenza vaccinations are advised, and the Varicella vaccine is recommended for those who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine. Lastly, individuals who did not complete the Polio vaccine series as a child should consider catch-up vaccination. For individuals between the ages of 25 and 64, receiving an annual influenza vaccination is important. The Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine should be administered every 10 years. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended up to age 26, and up to age 45 based on individual risk and consultation with a healthcare provider. COVID-19 vaccinations should be obtained per current guidelines, including the initial series and boosters (CDC, 2024)Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion. Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended for those at risk. Meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY and MenB) are advised for at-risk individuals such as college students, military recruits, or those with certain medical conditions.
Catch-up vaccinations for Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR), and Varicella (Chickenpox) are necessary for those who have not previously been vaccinated. Additionally, adults with certain health conditions or risk factors should consider the Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13 and PPSV23). Despite the controversies, safety and efficacy concerns, vaccines play crucial roles in health promotion among the elderly (Ciarambino et al., 2023). For individuals aged 65 and older, receiving an annual influenza vaccination is crucial. The Pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23) should be administered, with PCV13 given first, followed by PPSV23 at least one year later if not previously vaccinated. The Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) vaccine should be received every 10 years. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccination is recommended for adults over 50.
Factors Influencing Immunization Recommendations
Immunization recommendations can vary significantly for immunocompromised patients or on immunosuppressive therapy. The CDC provides specific guidelines for these individuals, highlighting the importance of certain vaccines, such as polysaccharide-based vaccines (PCV13, PPSV23, and Hib), to mitigate the heightened risk of disease if vaccination is delayed. Live vaccines may need to be postponed until immune function improves, as they could pose a safety risk. Non-live vaccines might be less effective during periods of altered immunocompetence and may require re-administration once immune function has been restored. Patient-specific factors such as age group and gender play a role in determining which immunizations are recommended. For example, adolescent girls and young women may be encouraged to get the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, while older adults may benefit from vaccines such as shingles and pneumococcal vaccines to safeguard against diseases more prevalent in later stages of life Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion.
Medicolegal Role of Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced practice nurses play a crucial role in shaping health promotion strategies, focusing on safe vaccination administration by considering medical history and providing comprehensive information to patients (Cassidy et al., 2021). Accurate documentation of vaccine administration is essential for legal and health record purposes, ensuring a complete and reliable vaccination history. Adhering to established guidelines is crucial for advanced practice nurses to avoid legal issues and provide care within the legal framework. Education and advocacy are key responsibilities of advanced practice nurses in promoting vaccine acceptance and public health through accurate information and addressing concerns (Yao et al., 2022). Increasing vaccine access, especially for underserved populations, is vital. Nurses can work with healthcare organizations and community partners to develop initiatives that ensure vaccines are readily available to those in need, promoting equitable healthcare.
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Conclusion
The field of immunization requires personalized approaches for better health outcomes at all life stages. Advanced practice nurses play a crucial role in staying updated with guidelines and advocating for public health effectively. Immunization schedules are tailored for the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, with special considerations for immunocompromised individuals Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2020). Human papillomavirus vaccination. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 809. Obstet Gynecol 2020(136), e15-21. https://www.acog.org/-/media/project/acog/acogorg/clinical/files/committee-opinion/articles/2020/08/human-papillomavirus-vaccination.pdf
Cassidy, C., Langley, J., Steenbeek, A., Taylor, B., Kennie-Kaulbach, N., Grantmyre, H., Stratton, L., & Isenor, J. (2021). A Behavioral Analysis of nurses’ and pharmacists’ role in addressing vaccine hesitancy: a scoping review. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 17(11), 4487–4504. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.1954444
CDC. (2024, April 4). Clinical Guidance for COVID-19 Vaccination. Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). (2021). Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (14th ed.). Public Health Foundation.
Ciarambino, T., Crispino, P., Buono, P., Giordano, V., Trama, U., Iodice, V., Leoncini, L., & Giordano, M. (2023). Efficacy and safety of vaccinations in geriatric patients: A literature review. Vaccines, 11(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines11091412
Yao, M., Gu, X., Mo, Y., Xia, C., & Tang, L. (2022). The role of health education in vaccination nursing. Journal of Healthcare Engineering, 2022, 6078846. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6078846 Medicolegal Impacts of Vaccinations on Health Promotion
