Using a qualitative descriptive design the researchers interviewed twenty-eight mothers within Native Indian communities in Canada regarding vaccine preventable illnesses. The results of the study suggests that First Nations parental beliefs regarding immunizations may positively or negatively influence a child's immunization uptake. The research also suggests that education may enable families to make better decisions regarding their child's health care and immunization uptake.

The researchers do point out in their work that other studies support that immunization uptake may be negatively impacted by "parental misperceptions, vaccine side-effects and negative outcomes from vaccinations" among other related

factors (Tarrant & Gregory, 63). The study confirms that despite increasing exposure to preventable illnesses First Nations mothers did not necessarily change their misperceptions or attitudes regarding vaccination. As a result more first nations children experienced higher rates of disease than children in other communities. The data revealed that First Nations parents were more likely to have concerns regarding the efficacy of immunizations, the experience itself and consequences of immunization, interactions with health professionals and also experience more barriers to immunizations (Tarrant & Gregory, 2003).

Pulido et. al (2001) also support the idea that immunization uptake may be a result of ethnic or cultural beliefs and socio-economic conditions. In their article "Vaccinating Asian Pacific Islander children against Hepatitis B" the researchers examine ethnic-specific barriers and social influences that prevent children from receiving adequate vaccinations. Their research suggests that factors influencing a child's coverage against Hepatitis B prior to entering school include the child's familial English speaking capability, living in different ethnic and different socio-economic groups. The researcher suggest that health care providers including nurses must act quickly to develop cultural-specific outreach programs in order to address the diverse needs of communities like that in the study.

It is important that nursing students recognize the need to work with patients collaboratively in order to develop practices that will ensure the best care for patients. These include going into

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)