Thursday, November 8, 2018

Training the Next Generation of Vaccinators

 There has been a steady increase in the number of individuals affected by the influenza virus.  It has been estimated that 80,000 Americans died and 900,000 people were hospitalized for flu-related complications (National Foundation for Infectious Disease, 2018) this past year. Although older adults carry the heaviest burden for flu-related deaths, all ages can be impacted.
 
In preparation for the 2018 flu season, Clayton State University School of Nursing partnered with the Georgia Institute of Technology Health Services for their Flu Campaign. Professors Elicia Collins, Han Dong and Sue Gronka along with Dr. Victoria Foster took 20 second semester nursing students to assist with providing flu shots for the student body.

Over 2 separate visits, 1,120 students were immunized. The nursing students also did patient teaching regarding what to expect after being vaccinated. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated each year for influenza.

 
 
We at Nurses Who Vaccinate are tremendously proud to share the accomplishments of these nursing students and their mentors.

Are you a nursing student yourself looking for more information on influenza and vaccines? Check out what the
American Nursing Association has to offer for education. "There are many elements of immunization that nurses need to know. From the correct anatomical sites for giving injections, to the increasingly complex immunization schedule, to knowing where to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report, to the way that vaccines work in activating the immune system, there's a lot to learn and remember! Through continuing education courses, fact sheets, videos, and webcasts, this ANA page offers nurses a variety of educational opportunities to increase their immunization knowledge and competency."

Still looking to get your flu vaccine? You can visit http://vaccine.healthmap.org/ to find out where flu shots are available in your area. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions regarding which flu vaccine is best for you and your family.

And when you get your vaccine... send us your selfie! Like past flu seasons, we'll be collecting and sharing your #FluShotSelfie (with your permission) on our social media pages.

Send it to us on our Facebook page, email it to us (NursesWhoVaccinate@gmail.com),
or tag us on Instagram and Twitter at @NursesWhoVax.

We look forward to sharing everyone's efforts to protect themselves and others from influenza. Be safe this season!
 


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