Dr Dorothy Ling1, Thi Nguyen1
1Northern Health, Epping, Australia
Biography:
Dr Dorothy Ling is an infectious diseases physician with special interest in infection prevention and control.
Abstract:
Introduction
Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pose significant risks to pregnant women and neonates, contributing to preventable morbidity, hospitalisations, and health system strain. Despite national guidelines, antenatal vaccine uptake in our region remained low at 20%. In response, a co-designed, nurse-led, hospital-based immunisation clinic was piloted in April 2025. This study evaluated the clinic’s acceptability, feasibility, and perceived value.
Methods
A mixed methods implementation evaluation was conducted. Patients who attended the clinic between 9 and 29 May 2025 were invited to complete an anonymous survey, incorporating a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions aligned with the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Participants were also invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively. Qualitative data from open-ended survey questions and telephone interviews were analysed thematically.
Results
A total of 47 survey responses were received. Median scores of 5 (IQR 5-5) were recorded across TFA constructs including experienced affective attitude, burden, self-efficacy, and intervention coherence. Opportunity cost had a lower median score of 3 (IQR 3-4). All respondents indicated they would recommend the clinic. Twelve interviews were conducted. Qualitative analysis showed strong alignment with TFA constructs. Key strengths included staff professionalism, informative communication, timely and convenient service, integration with existing appointments, and feeling supported. Suggestions for improvement included signage, clinic space, and staffing.
Conclusion
This pilot demonstrated high acceptability and feasibility of a nurse-led, hospital-based immunisation clinic. Findings support continued delivery and scale-up, with TFA providing a robust framework for evaluation.