Abstract
BACKGROUND: All 50 states have school-entry immunization requirements, and many also allow exemptions based on medical and non-medical reasons. School nurses are responsible for managing student immunization compliance based on state policies, but lack standardized resources and guidance. METHODS: Pennsylvania school nurses (N = 21) participated in semi-structured interviews regarding their strategies for communication and management of student immunization information, along with resources needed for practice improvement. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis. RESULTS: Nurses reported similarities in timelines used for communication of immunization requirements, but differences in mechanisms used to secure and manage immunization records. Nurses reported a need for clarity regarding exclusions and exemption policy implementation and requested standardized resources and guidance for navigating immunization compliance. CONCLUSIONS: A need exists for standardized processes that support immunization compliance. Furthermore, nurses highlighted a need for additional training and enhanced networks to develop creative strategies for promoting immunization uptake among families.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 218-226 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of School Health |
Volume | 91 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2021 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Education
- Philosophy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health