What is a role of nurses in screening and immunization programs?

• A. Diagnose chronic diseases and prescribe medications.
• B. Perform laboratory analyses for research.
• C. Identify at-risk individuals, provide education, administer vaccines or screenings, and refer for follow-up.
• D. Develop hospital budgets.

Answer: (C)

In screening and immunization programs, nurses act as frontline coordinators who identify at-risk individuals, provide education, administer vaccines or screenings, and refer for follow-up. They start by identifying people who may be at risk or who are not up-to-date with vaccines, using screening tools and reviewing vaccination histories. They then educate patients about disease prevention, the benefits and potential side effects of vaccines, and the schedule and process for screenings. Administering vaccines or conducting basic screenings is a core nursing task in these programs, carried out with proper technique, storage, documentation, and consent. Finally, they arrange referrals for follow-up care when results indicate a need for further evaluation, treatment, or completion of vaccination schedules, ensuring continuity of care. This combination best reflects the multifaceted role of nurses in these public health activities.