Pediatric Research Article Summary

The goal of this article was to bring relevance to and shed light on the importance of

immunizations. It discusses the role of the nurse, the history of immunizations, and interventions to

enhance immunization rates. It also provided a reference chart for these immunizations and when they

should be administered.

What are immunizations and why are they important? According to this article, written by Ann

Bowling, immunizations “… are the best way to prevent morbidity and mortality related to infectious

illnesses from vaccine-preventable diseases,” (Bowling, 2018, p. 1). They are important because,

“Immunization provides direct protection to the individual vaccinated resulting in a reduced chance of

infection and potentially protecting the individual from complications should one of the diseases occur,”

(Bowling 2018, p. 3). Immunizations, as we learned in class, are an example of active immunity and this

article explores the meaning behind that. Not only do immunizations benefit and protect the individual

receiving them, but they also protect others around them through the eradication of these diseases or

infectious agents. When looking into herd immunity, “The herd effect played a major role in eradicating

smallpox and reducing transmission of pertussis and the childhood illnesses of varicella, rubella and

rubeola. Since the early 2000s, it also is being credited with protecting against influenza and

pneumococcal disease,” (Bowling, 2018, p. 3). Meaning that getting vaccinated, not only is that doing

what has already been mentioned above, but it is the main factor when eradicating common, popular

diseases like the flu and chickenpox.

When observing the role of the pediatric nurse in terms of immunizations, there are many things

they are responsible for. One, to make sure they are knowledgeable on the recommendations, given by a

credible source (CDC), and two, to know which immunizations are needed at what age and 3, to make

sure the patients stay up to date. One way of achieving this is by the 3 E’s: education, enforcement, and

engineering. Another intervention that nurses use is anticipatory guidance. This involves listening,

educating, and interacting with the parents of children about the purpose of why their child should receive

their immunizations. The nurse must help to address the parental concerns and be able to offer patient and
family teaching and clear up any misguided theories. The article mentions that “since pediatric nurses

typically form a trusting relationship with parents as a basis for providing care to their children, the nurses

are present and capable to address any concerns that the parents may have regarding vaccines,” (Bowling,

2018, p. 10).

All in all, this article did a great job on the education behind immunizations, and it described

what we, as nurses, can do for our families and patients to help protect them and keep them free from

illness. It not only educated, but also walked the reader through discussing parent’s concerns and

misinformation surrounding this topic. The article was clear and concise and was right to the point with

the goals, rationales, and interventions behind vaccines.

 References:

Bowling, A. M. (2018). Immunizations – nursing interventions to enhance vaccination rates. Journal of

Pediatric Nursing, 42, 126–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2018.06.009