Research from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) says boosting funding and capacity for nurse-led immunisation clinics is a key part of the strategy to reverse childhood vaccination rates, which have been declining since 2020.
With access to vaccines identified as a key barrier to immunisation, NCIRS recommends that nurse-led clinics inside and outside of general practice need to be given more support to help families fit vaccination into their schedules.
The report specifically mentions community nurse-led clinics with rotating locations, extended hours, drop-in appointments, and onsite child/family health support.
Addressing Australia's vaccination coverage decline requires a multi-sectoral, multi-component approach with significant policy and funding changes to better support immunisation in primary care settings.
ACN Chief Nursing Officer, Frances Rice, said that removing barriers that prevent people and communities getting fast and affordable vaccinations from highly trained nurses is a national priority.
"Nursing is Australia's largest health workforce," Ms Rice said.
"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.
"All parts of the health sector need to work together to address this critical issue.
"Nurses are the leading immunising healthcare professionals in Australia.
"Nurses are already a major part of this effort to lift vaccination rates. With greater support from all governments, we can work with our other health professional colleagues to turn things around.
"Australia can prevent vaccination rates sliding even further. Nurses can lead the way," Ms Rice said.
The NCIRS report's evidence-based solutions were based on National Vaccination Insights project survey findings, which found parents of partially vaccinated children noted barriers to vaccination as:
• Difficulty getting 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%).
