ETHICS, EVIDENCE AND THE ANTI-VACCINATION DEBATE

Area of Science:

• Nursing and Midwifery
• Public Health
• Immunisation

Background:

• The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) is the national authority regulating nurses and midwives in Australia.
• Vaccination is a critical public health intervention.
• Professional bodies play a key role in guiding healthcare practitioners' roles in vaccination programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform nurses and midwives about their professional responsibilities concerning vaccination.
• To provide guidance on the NMBA's position regarding the involvement of nurses and midwives in vaccination initiatives.
• To ensure consistent and evidence-based vaccination practices among nursing and midwifery professionals.

Main Methods:

• The NMBA published a formal position statement.
• The statement was released on 11 October 2016.
• The content addresses the role of nurses and midwives in vaccination.

Main Results:

• A definitive position statement on 'Nurses, midwives and vaccination' was issued by the NMBA.
• The statement provides a framework for professional conduct related to immunisation.
• The document is accessible via the NMBA website.

Conclusions:

• Nurses and midwives are expected to adhere to the guidelines set forth in the NMBA position statement on vaccination.
• The statement reinforces the importance of vaccination within the scope of nursing and midwifery practice.
• Adherence to the statement supports public health goals and professional standards.