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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

vaccination perceptions, school employees, rural school district, vaccine

College

Nursing

Abstract

Comparing the pre-vaccine rates to the 2010 rates, vaccine preventable diseases have decreased by 98% or greater for diseases such as smallpox, diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella (American Academy of Microbiology [AAM], 2010). High vaccination rates are required to maintain low disease prevalence, and all 50 states have legislated mandates with childhood vaccination requirements before enrolling in public schools in an effort to maintain high vaccination rates (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Conversely, adult vaccination rates are low and many adults are unsure of their vaccination status (Johnson, Nichol, & Lipczynski, 2008) or are not completely vaccinated against diseases such as measles, pertussis, and influenza (Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania [CHOP], 2010). These unvaccinated persons may be carriers of and spread infectious disease to others without exhibiting symptoms or awareness of infection. Additionally, adult vaccinations reduce disease transmission and healthcare costs when outbreaks do occur (AAM, 2012).

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Nursing Commons

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