Keywords

antivaccine, immunization, vaccine, vaccine denial, vaccine hesitancy

 

Authors

  1. Danielson, Lindsey MS, FNP-C
  2. Marcus, Blima DNP, RN, ANP-BC
  3. Boyle, Lori MSN, RN, AGPCNP-BC

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Evidence consistently shows that vaccines are safe, effective, and cost-efficient. Yet preventable outbreaks of infectious diseases are occurring in the United States, leading to a strong public response and intense scrutiny of the antivaccine movement and its persistent spread of misinformation. Social media has been a major platform for such misinformation, and recent examinations have found that nurses are not exempt from engaging in antivaccine discourse.

 

By practicing evidence-based care, addressing health literacy, and becoming involved in public health policy, nurses can be excellent advocates for immunization and may help prevent additional outbreaks of preventable diseases.