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UNR Students Create Senior Immunization Resources - 12-15-2009
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UNR Students Delve Into Immunizations for Seniors
A group of students at the University of Nevada, Reno spent the fall semester learning about the issues concerning seniors, and now, their research will be used by the Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition.
The 35 students in the "Aging: An Interdisciplinary Approach" class worked on a project that involved researching immunizations. They collected data on the diseases that impact seniors -- influenza, pneumonia, shingles, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis -- and evaluated the materials that inform the community about the diseases.
The information they collected will be on the Coalition's Web site. The class also produced a brochure that the agency will distribute to area physicians and senior living communities.
"I was surprised that there wasn't that much (information)," said James Halliwell, a 21-year-old junior. "I'm proud that all our information is going on the Web, and we're helping people. That's what it's all about in community health science, getting out there and helping community."
The class' information should be on the Web site by January, said Heidi Hurst, regional director of the Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition.
The coalition functions as a partnership between individuals and agencies that have a primary goal of helping the community stay healthy through immunizations.
Because Nevada has one of the lowest rates for children's immunizations, Hurst said they have primarily targeted families.
"We haven't always done a great job of getting that information out to the older population," she said. "It was really a win-win for both of us. We're really thankful to have that help and that partnership of working together to meet the needs of that group."
Professor Judith Sugar said the class fulfilled the course objectives; develop an understanding of gerontology issues, enhancing skills in analyzing and synthesizing information for addressing aging issues and connecting with current resources and services for seniors with the opportunity to envision new ones.
"If we're going to do some things, I think it's worthwhile to do something that is going to make a difference," Sugar said. "They could write a paper, and I would read it, which is not necessarily bad."
Halliwell said he enjoyed participating in the project and learning about an issue that impacts seniors.
"I'm glad that I was able to be part of it and able to contribute information," he said. "If it just helps one senior, that's enough for me. I'd like to see more seniors out at the flu shot clinics. My grandpa didn't know he could get free immunizations."
He said he also learned some valuable lessons from his 75-year-old grandfather.
"I learned that aging has to do with who you are as a person, how much you enjoy your life's work," Halliwell said. "Aging is a state of mind. Being old is a state of mind."