Keywords

NAPNAP, nursing, childhood immunization, vaccination

Abstract

The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) fully supports timely and complete immunization of all infants, children, adolescents, and adults to maximize the health and well-being of all people. Routine childhood immunizations prevent approximately 2.5 million deaths every year (World Health Organization, 2012). Maintaining the highest immunization rates possible is essential to prevent outbreaks of vaccine preventable diseases across the nation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2013). The CDC recommends that all children, adolescents, and adults be immunized to protect children who are most vulnerable to serious illness and death (CDC, 2014). In concert with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), NAPNAP strongly encourages adherence to recommended immunization schedules that are updated annually using both primary care and mandatory school entry immunization policies to ensure full protection from vaccine-preventable diseases (AAP, 2014).

Original Publication Citation

Thomas, T., Cairns, C., Eden, L., Koslap-Petraco, M.B., Pron, A., Peterson-Smith, A., Stinchfield, P., & Taub, A. (2015). NAPNAP position statement on immunizations. Journal of Pediatric Health Care. 29(3), A11-A12.