Final Submission: Policy Memorandum

Executive Summary

Luz Rodriguez

Southern New Hampshire University

Immunization refers to the process where a person is made resistant or immune to an infectious disease. Immunization involves the administration of a proven vaccine. The work of the vaccines that are provides is to stimulate the immune system of the body so that a person is protected against the subsequent disease or infection. Immunization today is a proven tool for elimination and control of various life-threatening infectious diseases. The work of immunization has been said to prevent the deaths of around 3 million people every year (Kufel et al., 2017). Immunization around the world has been identified as one of the best investments in healthcare which helps in reducing costs. There are already proven methods for ensuring that the strategies are available for the populations that are vulnerable and at times hard to reach. Immunization has already defined groups and it is delivered in an effective manner and one does not need to change their lifestyle.

Immunization is a core issue in the world today because of the rise in the number of infectious diseases as well as the spread of misinformation about the process. Immunization has helped the world to defeat diseases such as polio but there is a rise nowadays because of increase in the people who believe that immunization is dangerous and affects the health of an individual. In the United States, all of the states require that all or some of the recommended vaccines should be given to the children before they attend school or childcare (Kufel et al., 2017). There are some parents who object to the guidelines as they believe that it affects their right of making decisions for the children and puts them at risk from the vaccines. All stakeholders have a role to play when it comes to immunization. The communities and individuals need to understand the benefit and risks of the immunization. The people should also demand that there are effective and safe immunization programs. The communities should also participate in getting the vaccines and be in discussion when it comes to decisions on immunization. The governments have to come up with effective immunization programs to ensure everyone is covered. The health professionals have the responsibilities of providing the immunization services and information to the people. There are legal risks for governments and manufacturers when there are unsafe vaccines. Health professionals are also obligated to provide accurate information and provide the immunization safely (Ventola, 2016). There is a conflict of interest between the people and governments when it comes to those who are against immunization. The best way forward is to ensure that there are healthcare campaigns to educate people on immunization and provide access to safety and quality tests on the vaccines used.

References

Ventola, C. L. (2016). Immunization in the United States: recommendations, barriers, and measures to improve compliance: part 1: childhood vaccinations. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 41(7), 426.

Kufel, W. D., Williams, D. M., & Weber, D. J. (2017). Improving immunization practices in United States hospitals and health systems. International Journal of Health Governance.