People with questions about immunisation often turn to trusted health professionals, including nurses. Nurses are also in regular contact with patients who are high priority for flu vaccination, including those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as older people and pregnant women.
By addressing concerns and providing a strong recommendation, nurses can have a positive impact on vaccine uptake in these key groups.
However, nurses need evidence-based information and skills to give them the confidence to address questions. Nurses say there is a ‘critical gap’ in their education, with very limited attention given to immunisation and vaccine communication.
Ber Oomen, Executive Director of the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO) says combating misinformation among health professionals, and developing critical thinking skills, are a priority for his organisation. ESNO is rolling out a series of measures designed to address gaps in knowledge and competence among nurses, and to provide platforms for dialogue among healthcare professionals.
‘By fostering an environment where nurses can discuss and share knowledge, we aim to enhance their ability to counter misinformation and advocate effectively for vaccination in their communities,’ he told Vaccines Today. To do this, ESNO has created a video, a new nurse curriculum on vaccination, and a book as part of its Principles of Specialist Nursing series. The Organisation is also devising a longer-term project in this area for which they will seek EU support.
Interview with Ber Oomen, ESNO
What inspired ESNO to develop a Nurse Curriculum on Vaccination?
The curriculum was motivated by the need for nurses to step forward and take responsibility [for improving vaccination rates]. There has been a call for nurses to engage more deeply in public health initiatives, and we want to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to do so effectively.
This curriculum aims to move beyond simplistic ‘call to action’ approaches by providing a comprehensive framework that includes historical context, administration techniques and programme leadership. Our goal is to empower nurses in all specialties and health domains to become competent and well equipped to speak and communicate on vaccination in a meaningful way.
How will this curriculum impact nursing education across Europe?
It aims to address a critical gap in nursing education. Currently, there is very little education on vaccination included in nursing courses, and what is available is immensely fragmented and lacks harmonisation across educational institutions. This fragmentation can lead to inconsistencies in knowledge and practice, which may further contribute to misinformation and misconceptions about vaccinations.
By establishing a standardised curriculum, we hope to create a cohesive framework that not only improves the quality of education but also ensures that all nursing professionals share a common understanding of vaccination practices. This alignment is crucial for empowering nurses to act as informed advocates and leaders in vaccination.
Tell us about the book being developed as part of Principles of Specialist Nurses?
The book is a vital instrument for sharing standards and best practices within the nursing community. ESNO is proud to contribute to this project, as it represents an opportunity not only to publish a comprehensive resource on vaccination but also to engage with a diverse range of content contributors.
By bringing together experts in the field, we aim to strengthen the specialist and advanced nurse community, ensuring that their voices are heard and represented, but in addition, it’s also often the fun and inspirational part of the job.
What are the goals of the proposed EU grant programme associated with vaccination?
The broader EU grant programme aims to create impactful strategies that unite various vaccination-related initiatives across Europe. Our goals include enhancing knowledge among nursing professionals, addressing misinformation, and fostering positive attitudes towards vaccination. We also want to develop leadership and programme management skills at all levels. Ultimately, we seek to create regional hubs that support ongoing education and training for nurses, particularly focusing on adult vaccination for vulnerable populations.
What about the video series on the technicalities of vaccine administration?
The video series is structured into three sections, each focusing on critical aspects of vaccination administration. The first emphasises the importance of proper preparation, including having necessary materials ready, understanding the specific vaccine, and verifying patient information to ensure a smooth process and reduce errors.
The second section covers the technicalities of the actual injection, providing guidance on injection techniques, appropriate sites, needle selection, and methods to minimise patient discomfort—skills essential for safe vaccination.
The final section focuses on post-vaccination care, discussing safe needle handling, monitoring for side effects, and documentation to promptly address any adverse reactions and reinforce patient trust in vaccination. Overall, this series aims to equip nurses with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in vaccination administration, enhancing public confidence in vaccination programmes.
How do you see the role of nurses evolving in vaccination?
Nurses are increasingly recognised as key players in vaccination leadership. Through our initiatives, we aim to empower them to take on greater responsibilities in programme management and policy making. By providing targeted education and training, we hope to cultivate a new generation of nurse leaders who can advocate for vaccination, address public health challenges, and effectively manage vaccination programmes, especially in contexts involving the elderly and patients with comorbidities.
A key component is also that nurses experience a sense of purpose, meaningfulness, as this stands at the top of incentives that motivates nurses to stay in the profession.