The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) is sounding the alarm over the state of vaccination rates in the country, highlighting a perfect storm of declining coverage, record-high influenza rates, and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. This crisis demands urgent action from the Federal Government, according to ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kathryn Zeitz FACN.
The ACN's call to action is multifaceted. Firstly, they advocate for the establishment of a Nurse Payment Administrator to manage payments to nurses for administering vaccines in various settings, including pharmacies, general practice, and Medicare Urgent Care Clinics. This is a crucial step to address the issue of underfunded nurse-led vaccination efforts.
Zeitz emphasizes the importance of making vaccination as accessible as possible, not just for the sake of individual health but also for the collective good. She points out that nurses, being the most trusted and geographically dispersed healthcare professionals, are ideally positioned to play a pivotal role in this endeavor.
The ACN's proposal extends to the design of sustainable business models for nurse-led vaccination clinics. These clinics, according to Zeitz, should be strategically located in libraries, youth centers, and high-traffic areas like childcare centers, seniors centers, and recreational venues. This approach aims to improve accessibility, provide catch-up services, strengthen outbreak response, and extend coverage to underserved and hard-to-reach populations.
The current situation is dire, with childhood and adolescent vaccination rates hitting five-year lows. In 2025, only 90.5% of 12-month-olds, 88.4% of 24-month-olds, and 92.5% of 60-month-olds were fully vaccinated. These figures represent a significant decline from 2020, with 4.3, 3.7, and 2.3 percentage points lower rates, respectively.
Zeitz underscores that vaccine fatigue and hesitancy are not the sole contributors to the declining vaccination rates. Access to healthcare services is a significant barrier, especially for busy parents who struggle to find time and convenient locations for vaccinations. The path to the GP, particularly outside business hours, can be a daunting and time-consuming process.
In conclusion, the ACN's call for a revamp of the vaccination system is a call for action to protect public health and ensure Australia's status as a global leader in vaccination. The proposed solutions, including nurse payment administration and the establishment of accessible vaccination clinics, are essential steps to address the current crisis and safeguard the well-being of the Australian population.
