Mrs Charlotte Goko1
1Swslhd Mhs, Sydney/Liverpool, Australia
Biography:
Charlotte Goko is a CNC specialising in infection prevention and control within mental health settings. She holds a Bachelor of Nursing from the University of Technology Sydney, a Master of Infection Prevention and Control from Griffith University, and a Master of Mental Health Nursing from the University of Newcastle.
Abstract:
Mental health consumers experience significantly higher risk of influenza-related complications, yet influenza vaccination uptake within mental health services has remained consistently low due to access barriers and missed preventative care opportunities. Prior to this initiative, influenza vaccination across South Western Sydney Local Health District Mental Health Services was inconsistently delivered in inpatient units and largely absent from community mental health settings, resulting in inequitable access for a vulnerable population.
To address this issue, a coordinated influenza immunisation program was implemented across inpatient and community mental health services during the 2025 influenza season. The program embedded flexible vaccination delivery within routine clinical care, including ward-based vaccination by Registered Nurses, mobile immunisation clinics led by Nurse Immunisers, and alignment with existing depot and clozapine clinics. Tailored consumer education and peer-led engagement were incorporated to address health literacy, vaccine hesitancy, and misinformation.
The program resulted in improved vaccination uptake across settings, with 83 inpatient consumers, 114 community consumers, and 32 carers or support workers vaccinated. Uptake was highest where vaccination was integrated into routine appointments. Consumer feedback identified improved access, reduced missed opportunities, and greater acceptability when vaccination was actively offered within mental health services.
This initiative demonstrates that embedding influenza vaccination within routine mental health care is an effective and equitable prevention strategy. Key lessons learnt include the importance of integration with existing care pathways, consumer-centred education, and multidisciplinary collaboration. This coordinated approach strengthens preventative care, improves patient safety, and provides a scalable model for future immunisation programs in mental health settings.