August 29, 2024

How EveryStep Encourages Informed Vaccination Decisions

Childhood immunization rates in Iowa are dropping. According to the Iowa Dept. of Health and Human Services, completion of the recommended doses of vaccines by age 2 in Iowa has decreased from 73.6% in 2019 to 69.6% in 2023. The largest percentage decrease is in vaccination for mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) — a 6.4% decrease — and chicken pox, which has seen a decline of 6.3%.

Public health officials find this decease concerning because highly contagious vaccine-preventable diseases like measles can spread rapidly among the unimmunized.

Vaccine hesitancy is a national trend. Many reasons are cited for the decline, including misinformation and lack of information, but

the issue is more complicated for immigrants and refugees in Iowa. For these Iowans, additional factors are at play, including:

 

• Cultural beliefs, which may include skepticism about modern medicine or vaccines.
• Past trauma and distrust of health care systems, or negative experiences in their home countries.
• Limited access to health care services because of challenges like transportation.
• Language barriers in health care.
• Economic barriers or a lack of insurance coverage.

“Many of our refugee and immigrant clients come from countries with no or rare vaccinations or regular health care, so navigating our health care system can be a challenge,” says EveryStep child health nurse Amanda Redhead. “It’s important that our clients know that they get to make health care decisions for their own body, but we want them to make informed choices. It’s so important to take the time to answer any and all questions and walk them through the experience with an interpreter.”

Learn More About EveryStep’s Work in the Community

Redhead says by answering questions, respecting cultural beliefs and building trust, EveryStep staff can discuss vaccines openly and honestly with clients who may have had a generational mistrust of vaccination.

“The family that comes to mind was a second-generation immigrant family. Mom had twin babies and had heard so much misinformation and was not going to vaccinate. Over our first couple of home visits, we built trust and I debunked some of the myths and gave her appropriate information,” says Redhead. “She did choose to vaccinate her children after this, although on an alternative schedule. Parents want what is best for their children and will most often make great choices if they are empowered and educated to do so!”

Connect with EveryStep

EveryStep’s holistic approach to serving clients helps break down many of the barriers to vaccination. EveryStep interpreters accompany nurses on home visits to aid conversation in dozens of languages and dialects. Additionally, EveryStep can link individuals to resources like transportation, insurance and more.

EveryStep’s slate of care and support programs and services helps grow healthy families in the community, contributing to a healthier state.

We all face challenges, but some people in our community are coping with more difficult circumstances. EveryStep shows up when people need us most, no matter who they are or what circumstances they face.

The diversity of EveryStep’s programs helps meet a variety of needs at once, and ongoing support over time. You have the power to help those who are struggling in our community.

Consider a Monthly Gift

Together, donors like you can help build a caring, connected community that surrounds children and adults with comfort, dignity and hope — but also practical solutions and a renewed capacity for self-determination. Your support for parents impacts the whole community.

If you or someone you know is struggling to find the support they need, please contact EveryStep at 515-558-9946 or complete the commitment-free, confidential “Find Care” form on EveryStep’s website at www.everystep.org/find-care. EveryStep staff will follow up with a phone call to answer your questions and help.