Nurses must be more confident in assessing Gillick competence

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• Immunology

Background:

• Measles outbreaks necessitate robust vaccination strategies.
• Adolescent vaccination presents unique consent challenges.
• The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is crucial for community immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze barriers to adolescent immunisation during a measles outbreak.
• To explore the application of Gillick competence in paediatric vaccination consent.
• To provide guidance for nurses assessing adolescent consent capacity.

Main Methods:

• Review of vaccination data from a south west Wales measles outbreak.
• Analysis of consent procedures for the 14-17 year age group.
• Discussion of legal frameworks (Gillick competence) for child consent.

Main Results:

• Parental consent was a primary barrier for immunising 14-17 year olds.
• Children in this age group were less likely to receive both MMR vaccine doses.
• Nurses require enhanced confidence in assessing Gillick competence.

Conclusions:

• Improving adolescent vaccination rates requires empowering nurses to assess Gillick competence.
• Allowing mature minors to consent to vaccinations can improve uptake.
• Future immunisation programmes must address consent issues for older children.