Research conducted by the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) highlights the critical role that strategic deployment of nurses could play in increasing childhood vaccination rates in Australia. The report indicates that vaccination rates have been declining since 2020, making it imperative to explore effective solutions to reverse this trend.
Access to vaccines has been identified as a major barrier to immunisation, prompting NCIRS to recommend enhanced support for nurse-led clinics. These clinics, which can operate both inside and outside general practice settings, require increased funding and capacity to better accommodate families’ schedules.
Community-Focused Solutions
The NCIRS report advocates for community nurse-led clinics that feature rotating locations, extended hours, drop-in appointments, and on-site child and family health support. Such initiatives are seen as essential components of a multi-sectoral approach aimed at addressing the decline in vaccination coverage across Australia.
Frances Rice, Chief Nursing Officer at the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), emphasized the urgency of removing barriers that hinder access to affordable vaccinations. “Nursing is Australia’s largest health workforce,” Ms. Rice stated. “We are in every community across the nation, we are qualified, we are trusted, we are mobile, and we are ready to get kids vaccinated—just remove the red tape.”
She further stressed the need for collaboration across the health sector, stating, “All parts of the health sector need to work together to address this critical issue. Nurses are the leading immunising healthcare professionals in Australia.”
Identifying Barriers to Vaccination
The NCIRS report presents evidence-based solutions based on findings from the National Vaccination Insights project. This survey revealed several barriers faced by parents of partially vaccinated children, including:
– Difficulty securing vaccination appointments when due (24.8%)
– Not prioritising vaccination over other activities (23.9%)
– Inability to afford associated costs (20.5%)
– Safety and effectiveness concerns (14-18%)
– Reduced trust in healthcare provider recommendations (16.8%)
These statistics underscore the complexities surrounding vaccination hesitancy and highlight the need for targeted interventions to facilitate access.
With a concerted effort to bolster nurse-led immunisation initiatives, Australia has the potential to prevent further declines in vaccination rates. As Ms. Rice noted, “Nurses can lead the way.” Greater policy support and funding will be crucial in empowering nurses to deliver vaccinations efficiently and effectively, helping to ensure that all children receive the immunisations they need for a healthier future.
