Benefits of the Project to the Community

Though many viruses and bacteria such as measles, diphtheria, mumps, Pertussis, Rubella, smallpox, Polio and tetanus are less likely reported in our community, does not mean these diseases has disappeared completely from our neighborhoods. Some of these diseases might be only one airplane ride away from us. Many people from all over the world are traveling back and forth into the United States (US) every day, some of these travelers are properly vaccinated before and shortly after entering the country and some are not, making it even more important for the people in the community to get vaccinated to protect themselves from potential diseases. In addition, seasonal Influenza infection contributes to many deaths in the US each year.  According to New York City (NYC) Department and Health and Mental Hygiene 2006 community survey, it indicated that vaccination is not just for children, 99% of all deaths that could have been prevented by vaccination occur in adults. Flatbush Influenza and Pneumococcal immunization rate among older adults (36%) is much lower than the Brooklyn and New York City rates (Olson, Van Wye, Kerker, Thorpe, & Frieden, 2006). Therefore, us as student nurses at our clinical session at Kings County has found it very important that infants, young children and adults receive their recommended immunizations at the right time to prevent these unnecessary illness and/or deaths.  Though we were not allowed to actual administer the vaccines, however, we provided all necessary information from the CDC website and other reliable resources to parents and guardians regarding vaccination, signs and symptoms of these diseases, who are mainly susceptible to be affected by these diseases, and how important it is to get themselves and their loved ones protected against these deadly diseases. This teaching project to the community was very beneficial to the public because we provided a service of information and awareness to the community by educating the residents about diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.

Reference

Olson E.C., Van Wye G., Kerker B., Thorpe L., Frieden T.R., (2006) Take Care Flatbush. NYC Community Health Profiles, Second Edition, 14(42):1-16.