In response to Reviving reverence for vaccines

In “Reviving reverence for vaccines” published in the October issue of American Nurse, Jennifer Pettis calls on nurses to serve as leaders in immunization efforts and to encourage all people to obtain their recommended vaccines. Unfortunately, not all people have access to immunizations. Worldwide, one in five children lacks access to the basic childhood vaccines we take for granted here in the United States (CDC, 2024). Without federal funding for global vaccine programs, many people around the world have limited choices to protect themselves and their children from the threat of measles, rotavirus, polio, pneumonia and more. Vaccines are cost effective, save lives and prevent the spread of disease. Four million deaths are prevented each year by childhood vaccinations. As a nurse leader, I work to raise awareness and support for vaccine access. I urge all nurses to contact their congress members and ask for full funding for global vaccine programs. Text VACCINES to 1-833-904-4626 to join the United Nations Foundation’s efforts to reduce vaccine preventable deaths.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Global Immunization. https://www.cdc.gov/global-immunization/fast-facts/index.html

– Janice Hawkins, PhD, RN, CNS, FAAN
Chesapeake, VA