ANACA The Nursing Voice Fall 2019

anacalifornia.org  .  13 During the 2019 ANA Membership Assembly, students from the University of San Diego presented the state of the science behind vaccine compliance across the United States with discussion regarding mandatory vaccine schedules as a priority position for ANA. During this presentation, California was present to speak up and identify how SB 277, supported strongly by ANA\C, was the first piece of legislation to be passed on this topic. Other states have recently followed as well, and all successful states shared their feedback and memories of the campaigns. ANA\C received several derogatory comments during SB 277, and Senator Richard Pan, MD, even received death threats as the co-author of the bill. As all the dynamics that surround this legislative activity were discussed, a few key messages were brought forward: We must stand firm as nurses on the science of vaccines. Vaccines promote healthier communities, prevention of diseases and are overall safe for the general population; Many people will disagree with vaccination, and as nurses we must remember to be professional in our interactions; There are some people who are against vaccines, but can change position with proper education and reassurance of the safety of vaccines. Membership Assembly: Vaccinations We do not always have to agree with everyone, but we must remain grounded in science. The takeaway messages from the assembly, that did pass this position overwhelmingly, centered around our role as nurses to educate our healthcare consumers. We must remain vigilant in advocating for vaccinations and understand that proper education of side effects and the management of rare adverse reactions is a key component in vaccine education. In all cases, it is always imperative that we listen to those with concerns as we remain a trusted profession for healthcare. We do not always have to agree with everyone, but we must remain firmly ground- ed in science. Contact Philip — vicepresident@anacalifornia.org ANA Membership Assembly 2019 Highlights Philip Bautista, BSN, RN, PHN Vice President, ANA\C Looking for a new job or new career opportunites? Visit our Career Center: careers.anacalifornia.org Reprinted with permission from ANA Enterprise’s Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™