Immunizations

When examining ways to improve immunization programs both domestically and abroad, the common focus of improving communication strategies must always be present. Consistent with Everett Rogers's diffusion of innovations theory, health workers must be sure to design immunization programs built around the idea that innovations, such as vaccines, are communicated through populations in a variety of methods. As such, it is the responsibility of health workers, in an effort to ensure the success of their health programs, to recognize that communication programs vary depending on the community in which one is working, and therefore, each program and program team must develop increased and improved interpersonal communication methods with the local population in order to ensure that the innovation is accurately and properly spread throughout the community.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention define an immunization as a process by which an individual or an animal becomes protected against a disease or illness. Immunization refers to the process by which a person becomes immune to a disease, either through vaccination or by becoming infected with the disease. A vaccination is typically given in the form of an injection or nasal spray, containing a “safe” version of the organism and/or disease that the individual is trying to protect him or herself against. In the United States and around the world, children from ages 0 to 6 are highly recommended to receive vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal, and polio. For both adults and children, these immunizations are important because they not only prevent the individual from becoming ill and contracting the illness, but also because widespread, mass immunizations help keep diseases contained and prevent them from spreading around a region.