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Course Description

Course Number 20-705790

     According to the World Health Organization, one of the top ten threats to global health in 2019 is vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals play a key role in the success of every vaccination program. Effective communication, providing educational materials, and ensuring that patients have up-to-date and accurate information regarding vaccines is crucial, particularly in cases of vaccine hesitancy.

  • Course Category | Public Health

  • Original Activity Release Date | 02/04/2019

  • Date of Most Recent Review | 01/03/2021

  • Next Review / Activity Termination Date | 01/02/2024

Educational Goals & Learning Outcomes

     The goal of this course is to increase the knowledge base of healthcare professionals regarding vaccines and vaccine hesitancy including; the reasons for vaccine hesitancy, how to discuss vaccines with parents and patients, and how to respond to common questions they may be asked. Upon completion, participants will be able to:

  • Appraise the relationship between vaccine hesitancy and disease outbreak

  • Contrast active vs. passive immunity and illustrate herd immunity

  • Appraise immunization coverage in the U. S. and Globally

  • Categorize core concepts and factors which contribute to vaccine hesitancy

  • Compare vaccine hesitancy determinants

  • Evaluate vaccine laws and exemptions

  • Employ a presumptive approach when communicating with parents

  • Assess the economic impact of vaccine hesitancy

About the Course Author(s)

Darren C. Leach, MSN, APRN, NP-C

    Darren C. Leach is a nurse practitioner and author. He is licensed as an APRN by the State of Florida and Certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. His professional experience ranges across the lifespan from infants to the elderly with positions in adult internal and emergency care, pediatric internal and emergency care, pediatric and neonatal intensive care as well as endocrinology and nephrology. He has also provided education to nurses, patients, and families in a variety of formats and settings. He received his Baccalaureate of Science degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida in 2005, and his Masters of Science degree in Family Health Nursing in 2010. Mr. Leach has authored numerous courses, including many for MedCEC. To view Mr. Leach's full bio click here.

Course Curriculum