title: Closing the immunization gap.
abstract: Current vaccination rates are falling with a new group of unimmunized children. Since some parents are unaware of the diseases and potential health threats, many are often influenced by the media and myths, choosing to delay or avoid vaccinations. NP providers must be prepared to confront these myths with facts to help parents make informed decisions. Vaccine-preventable diseases, popular myths, and evidence-based research findings are reviewed in this manuscript.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Recovery Unit, Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, Spartanburg, SC, USA.
authors.forename: Leslie H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Rosanne
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Robin F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Garrell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D011639:Public Opinion; D012307:Risk Factors