“Connecting the Shots”: Ineffective Vaccines Reduce Immunization Coverage

Background:
This study was conducted by Boise State University (BSU) and Central District Health Department (CDHD) to assess the educational needs of health care personnel who administer the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in southwestern Idaho. Our immunization delivery is compromised due to complicated vaccine schedules and standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the perceived need for enhanced education.

Objectives:
This study was conducted by BSU faculty and students and CDHD staff to:
1. Assess the educational needs of our health care personnel administering the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine in southwestern Idaho.
2. Increase educational opportunities and resources to minimize administration errors.
3. Optimize illness prevention and reduce disease outbreaks.

Methods:
BSU Department of Nursing students conducted a survey of health care personnel in medical offices in two districts of Idaho relating to the storage and administration of the MMR vaccine. The surveys were completed by medical assistants, LPN's and RN's.

Results:
The results of the surveys confirm our assumption that more education is needed regarding proper storage and administration of the MMR vaccine. Comparing 2008 data with the surveys collected and analyzed in 2007, our findings suggest that all health care providers need more education to administer and store the MMR vaccine safely and accurately.

Conclusions:
Inaccurate or ineffective immunization delivery and storage can contribute to preventable disease outbreaks. Based on our 2008 survey results, enhancing immunization education increases patient safety and insures accurate immunization administration.