Measles Outbreak: What Nurses Need to Know

Nurses have a responsibility to educate patients about vaccinations and the implications when vaccine-preventable diseases reemerge. The ability of nurses to quickly assess patients for infectious diseases saves lives by reducing the potential spread of this highly communicable disease. The majority of the confirmed cases in the United States are people who were not vaccinated. As front-line professionals, nurses can stay informed about the current outbreak and recommendations for vaccinations.