I chose immunizations because of the importance they are to children's development and the affect on having a healthy future. Immunization's protects children from getting contagious diseases. Immunization is a process that stimulates the body's immune system to defend against attack by particular disease (Berger, 2009). Immunization is said to have had a greater impact on human mortality reduction and population growth than any other public health intervention (Baker, 2000).
Immunizations in Mexico
Mexico has taken a paternalistic approach that has led to a 96% vaccination rate for children ages one to four. If parents are not taking children in a timely manner to get immunizations, a public health nurse will come to their home, and give the child their vaccination right there. The public health nurse begins tracking babies before they are born. The nurse is in charge of immunizations in a particular neighborhood and keeps a census of the area, including maps detailing where women of childbearing age live.
Where I work there is a schoolbase health center for the districts school system. The Early Head Start and Head Start health coordinator and teachers are required to look over health records to know whose up to date on dental, physicals, and immunizations. Once we have reviewed records we encourage parents to get their children up to date in these areas. If the parents don't take the necessary actions the nurse from the school will contact the parents to schedule a kidmed appointment for that particular child and give them the immunizations they need. I think this is a great way to keep children healthy and free of contagious diseases.
References
Berger, K.S. (2009). The developing person through childhood (5th, ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers
Parker, J.P. (2000). Immunization and the American way: American Journal of Public Health, (90), 199-207
www.vaccinationnews.com/DailyNews
Thank you for sharing your comment about Mexico. I was unaware of how they Mexico went about to ensure that children are staying up-to-date with their shots.
ReplyDeleteTricia, I agree with you about the importance of early and up to date immunizations. Although, the numbers have gone down dramatically in regards to childhood diseases, we can thank immunizations for protecting the children. I really was enlightened by your post about Mexico. I am glad that they are working hard to immunize children.
ReplyDeleteEbony,
ReplyDeleteI thought about researching immunizations and I am so glad you did. There is much controversy over giving all the shots to children in today's times. Many parents are opting to not fulfill the required shots for various reasons. Thank you for sharing the information on Mexico, it is good to know they are working hard to keep children immunized.
Ebony,
ReplyDeleteI too chose to explore Immunization. I feel it is something that is very important for the parents to make sure their child is up to date on. I found some interesting facts from Italy on immunization. Very Good Post!
It's interesting to find out that nurses in Mexico actually go out to the homes to give immunizations. Some families in the United States would benefit from that service. I hope other countries adopt that idea, because it would decrease the amount of deaths and diseases in infants and small children.
ReplyDelete