American Nurses Association: ANA Recommends Vaccination

• The American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends all eligible adults and children receive vaccinations against respiratory viruses.
• Flu season has seen a rise in COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations, as well as an unfortunate increase in deaths related to respiratory complications.
• ANA recommends vaccination and available boosters for nurses, who can also utilize infection control training to better protect themselves.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) has released a statement encouraging all children and adults to vaccinate against repertory infections, including the flu and COVID-19. ANA recommends vaccination as part of its longstanding emphasis on proactively protecting patient populations from preventable diseases.

In this article, we will hear from the president of the ANA, as well as look at data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as to why these vaccination rates are so low.

American Nursing Association’s Recommendations

The American Nurses Association represents more than five million registered nurses across the United States and aims to promote safe and ethical care practices. This advocacy aligns with the care every nurse dedicates to their patients.

Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, ANA’s president, said that “considering increasing respiratory virus activity, ANA calls on nurses to continue to educate the public and support evidence-informed prevention measures as their ethical duty to protect our patients and communities.”

ANA recommends vaccination with the hope that by providing resources and raising awareness for flu vaccines, more people will protect themselves and their communities. Nurses must do their best to encourage patients to make informed decisions about their care and the severity of respiratory infections.

It is also recommended that all healthcare professionals stay up to date with their own vaccinations, including boosters. Nurses face increased exposure to these illnesses and can protect themselves through vaccination and proper infection control.

NCC offers infection control training that may help nurses understand how to use appropriate barriers while supporting infectious patients.

CDC’s Updates

Over the past two months, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported an increased rate of respiratory illnesses in the US. From December 2023 to now, there has been an increase in deaths associated with both COVID-19 and influenza.

There have already been at least 12 pediatric influenza deaths reported during the 2023-24 flu season. Influenza, also known as the flu, is currently one of the top causes for emergancy room visits. 

In addition to vaccination, the CDC is also encouraging anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 or the flu to promptly seek antiviral treatment to prevent the spread of these infections.

Flu Risks for Patients

For most people, the flu only lasts a few days or a few weeks. However, if not treated, the flu may progress into other more serious co-infections ranging from encephalitis to organ failure.

These extreme examples help remind nurses to be vigilant when examining patients who may have the flu. Flu symptoms nurses can watch out for include:

• Fever or Chills
• Cough
• Sore Through
• Runny or Stuffy Nose
• Muscle Aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Certain groups are at increased risk for flu and other respiratory illness-related complications. These patients may be immunocompromised, pregnant, or elderly. NCC has a guide for nurses treating high-risk elderly patients, which includes recommendations for different flu vaccines.

Children under the age of five are also at an increased risk of flu-related complications such as pneumonia and dehydration. Unfortunately, flu symptoms may be hard to identify, so it is important for nurses to pinpoint the cause of these symptoms.

Children may also present with different flu symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

If you suspect your patient may be suffering from COVID-19, it is vital to administer a PCR test, as the flu cannot be distinguished from COVID-19 without proper testing. If you cannot offer PCR testing for your patient, it’s possible for them to receive free at-home COVID tests.

Nurses can also recommend these tests to patients in telehealth settings to ensure they make informed decisions about isolation and care.

The Bottom Line

This year’s flu seasons may continue until May, with low vaccination rates leading to more severe diseases affecting patients. Nurses can do their part by encouraging patients to vaccinate and offering educational resources.

Together, we can protect ourselves and our communities from respiratory infections.

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