Communication

What is Communication?

Conveying ideas or a message to an individual or audience(s).

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Artifact Story:

MMR Immunizations for Children: Public Health Achievement Report*

Public Health Report Photo Link to:"MMR Immnizations For Children: Public Health Achievement Report"

Abstract

The mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) immunizations for infants, is one of the major Canadian public health achievements that has contributed to the population health today. This report evaluates the public health achievement of MMR immunizations in Canada through the history, success, key processes and people involved in the MMR immunization initiative for infants. Some terms included in this report are; MMR, immunization, anaphylaxis, Indigenous people, Dahlgren and Whitehead Model, and socio-environmental. Immunization is the use of medicinal vaccines that help protect an individual from particular diseases. Analyphylaxis is the allergic reaction of an individual to a substance such as peanuts or nuts. The term Indigenous people refers to the Native people in Canada. The Dahlgren and Whitehead model or rainbow model is an analytical tool, named after the creators who designed the model for purpose of incorporating other factors than biological factors affecting one’s health including socio-environmental factors such as people, policies and income. The history of MMR immunization begins in the 1880s-1950s when diseases of mumps, measles and rubella first caused outbreaks, then the discovery of vaccines for each disease. MMR immunizations have accounted for lower infant deaths related to mumps, measles and rubella. On the contrary, the program has been contested with anti-vaccine views and cultural or religious beliefs of individuals. Also, it has reported that some rare cases of vaccinations resulted in side effects or low immunity in young children. Today, MMR immunizations is a significant tool of prevention and surveillance of health in Canada.

Results

This report allowed me to communicate the public health achievement of MMR immunization for children. From my health studies knowledge, I analyzed the public health strategies in order to

identify and assess the core tenets of Canadian health system. For instance, I examined the accessibility of the knowledge of MMR immunization to vulnerable populations including all parents, parents with anti-vaccine views, and Indigenous people. Also, I recommended a interdisciplinary approach to low rates of MMR immunization. Further, this can be done by incorporating medical anthropology in public health strategies. For example, offering traditional methods of prevention for Indigenous people instead of biomedical treatments. Thus, this approach aligns with Indigenous beliefs and can increase greater rates of MMR immunization. My health studies knowledge of the core tenets of the Canadian health care system and the understanding of interdisciplinary is displayed through this report.

Reflection

Many skills from such as my health studies academics and my research skills were involved in my written communication of the public health achievement of the MMR immunization of children in Canada. I realized through this assignment that the key to communication includes proper understanding of situation or task on hand and the descriptive explanation of one’s intuition. For this report, I conducted large amounts of research to better understand the public issue, the key processes and people involved in the MMR immunization program. With this research and my health studies knowledge, I was able to describe the public health achievement in my own words and to critically analyze the flaws and problems in the MMR immunization program. In the workplace, I would apply the skill of formal communication (e.g. written communication skills), the understanding of the core tenets of the Canadian health care system, health contextual analysis and research skills. As a public health advocate, I would ensure that my line of work aligns with the core tenets of the Canadian health care system and do what is in my power to address health inequalities and health inequities through a interdisciplinary lens including my sociological understanding. Further, I would communicate my health studies thinking, in way that the public and other medical professionals understand my institution; in order for me to make an innovative contribution to public health concerns. Using my research skills, I would commit to evidence-based research in order to produce better decision-making in public health. Overall, my willingness to address social injustices in health can be enhanced through the skill of communication.