I‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍ need a response to this discussion: Nurses have an importa

I‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍ need a response to this discussion: Nurses have an important role in making sure that older adults get proper immunizations. Nurses have the ability to look through the patient’s electronic health record and verify if they are up to date on their immunizations. If they are not up to date, the nurse can then sit down and speak with the patient and explain the importance of them receiving their vaccine. Nurses are leaders and the first step of promoting vaccines is to make sure they have theirs so that the patients are protected (Rittle & Francis, 2016). Nursing is one of the most trusted professions and patients trust and listen to what they recommend. The flu, pneumonia, shingles and covid vaccines are included in the important immunizations that protect people from hospitalization. Some facilities use standing orders for immunizations. This can be very beneficial for patients that cannot answer if they are up to date or not. It will be in the system and if one is needed the nurse can advocate for the patient and get it. Older adults do not have as good of an immune system ‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‍‍‌‍‍as younger adults. They are more susceptible to illness. The most important way that nurses can advocate for the patients is education. A lot of people do not understand what immunizations are for or that even as adults they need immunizations. It is also important to educate the patients that most immunizations are covered by their insurance. They do not have to pay out of pocket for the vaccines. Older adults need better access to entities capable of administering vaccines. Having grocery stores that offer “senior citizen” discounts on a certain day of the week should advertise vaccine availability on those days as well. This helps the community by spreading awareness and getting more older adults’ immunizations that could possibly save their lives. Education and accessibility are two huge building blocks. Reference Rittle, C. & Francis, R. (2016). The critical roles of nursing in promoting immunization for adults. nursingALD. Retrieved December 16, 2021.