Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Vulnerable Populations

Abstract

Vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks and the spread of misinformation on vaccines throughout the United States are growing public health problems. Marginalized and vulnerable communities nationwide have seen a substantial rise in parental vaccine hesitancy that has negatively affected early childhood immunization rates, intensified healthcare disparities, and decreased patient care outcomes. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses primarily work in clinical settings, but these healthcare professionals can reach the public locally and nationally by actively participating in healthcare policy development. The following PICOT question guided the objective of this policy project: In the early childhood population (P), how does the development of a comprehensive policy recommendation addressing social determinants of health risks (I) compared to existing policy (C) improve vaccination rates as endorsed by the literature (O)? The Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice model and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) POLARIS Policy Process framework were utilized to evaluate and appraise the current literature and guide the Arkansas, Florida, and Louisiana policy review. The literature review showed direct and indirect patient outcomes, common themes, underlying causes, and effective interventional strategies. A comparative analysis was conducted on each southeastern state’s existing early childhood vaccination policies, including practice recommendations, guidelines, and legislative and regulatory frameworks. The findings prompted the development of policy recommendations and included three tailored policy briefs aligned with the best practice recommendations from the CDC and evidence-based literature. This project provided insight and strategies on addressing vaccine hesitancy in vulnerable communities to improve early childhood vaccination rates through advocacy and informed policy change