Clinical Nurse Leader Practice Exam

Vaccinations are considered what level of prevention?

1. Primary

2. Secondary

3. Tertiary

4. None of these

The correct answer is: Primary

Vaccinations are considered a primary level of prevention because they focus on preventing the onset of disease before it occurs. Primary prevention aims to reduce the risk factors and enhance resistance to diseases, and vaccinations serve this purpose by stimulating the immune system to recognize and combat pathogens without the individual suffering from the disease itself. This approach not only protects the vaccinated individual but also contributes to herd immunity, which further reduces the overall spread of infectious diseases in the community. In terms of health promotion, offering vaccines is a proactive strategy to maintain health and prevent illness, which is the cornerstone of primary prevention strategies in public health. In contrast, secondary prevention involves early detection and prompt treatment of diseases, while tertiary prevention focuses on managing and mitigating the effects of established diseases. Therefore, vaccinations are best categorized under primary prevention, as they are aimed at preventing diseases before they can manifest.