For a Doctorate of Nursing program discussion post. I need to respond to this cl

For a Doctorate of Nursing program
discussion post. I need to respond to this classmate’s post. I need 1-2
references to go with this. My
opinion is for a Vaccine mandate. Write a
response to the Classmates post.
I will attach the rubric for responding to discussion post.
Classmates post that I need to respond to:
1. While we have personal opinions about
almost everything in our daily lives, how did this one mandate make you
practice differently, or did it?
In regards to mandates, American
have “freedom from personal restraint and a wider freedom to engage in daily
life without significant risk of exposure to safety hazards.” The justification
for mandating vaccines are reflected by such freedoms. (Gostin, 2021)
As I was
not practicing as a Family Nurse Practitioner during the time of the mandate, I
did not have to deal directly with the opinions and concerns of actual
patients. However, several friends and family members did request my personal
opinion on the matter. I would always answer the same, “I ask myself, would
those that have already died choose the vaccine or death, had they been given
the choice we have today.” The response from those asking usually entailed the
obvious answer, that the vaccine would have likely been chosen.
2. There was a fair amount of distrust
regarding the vaccines, especially in this area. What historical events
played a part of this? How do we as APRNs approach this?
Technology has been one of the
greatest enemies in the push against covid vaccinations. The mere use of the
internet, smart devices allowing text messages, and social
media. Technology allows the spread of misinformation to be rapid
and vast, meaning it can be done within seconds and reach millions in the
process.
Many individuals felt that the
vaccine was not necessary as Covid-19 was a hoax, they also felt the virus was
just a form of influenza, and some thought the government was the cause of the
virus. Unfortunately, distrust of vaccination began before the pandemic. For
instance, many parents became anti-vaxers secondary to reports that Autism is
the result of childhood vaccinations.
As human beings, I feel as though
we should have the right to choose what medications are injected into our
bodies. Although, as a practitioner, I also understand the seriousness of the
situation that the entire world faced by allowing such a choice. The APRN
should understand that there will always be patients that are willing to
accept, some that will refuse regardless of what they are told, many that are
fearful and need reassurance, and those that just want or need more
information. It is the provider’s duty to research and obtain the
most factual and updated information available to assist patients with making
the best decision possible.
3. What ethical/historical
considerations do you think played a part in vaccination rates?
In addition to misinformation, many were
hesitant to accept vaccination due to several other reasons. A study was
conducted in Portugal to determine factors associated with vaccine hesitancy.
The factors that were identified included perception of contracting Covid-19
was of low risk, health authorities did not provide consistent information
related to the pandemic, potential complications of vaccination, and
uncertainty of efficacy and safety of the vaccines. (Soares et al., 2021) The
reasons for hesitancy in America were much of the same as evidenced by
continuous reports through social media and news networks.
4. What do you think we have learned, as a
medical profession, about vaccines, mandates, and what the future will look
like as a result if we should have to do this again? How does your role,
or future role, as a PMHNP address this without bias?
Likely, those within the medical profession
truly understand the magnitude of power that social media boasts. The majority
of people initially seek advice from internet sources before contacting
healthcare professionals. As issues arise, providers must learn to use social
media for the benefit of their patients. The professionals must learn to fully
engage such resources to help curb the spread of misinformation for those
seeking advice.