Vaccination is a vital act of self‑care, protecting individuals, families and wider society.
Vaccination is a vital act of self‑care, protecting individuals, families and wider society. That was the message from Helen Donovan, public health nurse, immunisation expert and Chair of the Self‑Care Forum, when she gave evidence to the House of Lords Childhood Vaccinations Committee. She highlighted that vaccines have prevented an estimated 154 million deaths globally over the past 50 years, and stressed that they not only protect against serious illness but also support children’s long‑term wellbeing, learning and development. Yet with uptake declining and the collective memory of pre‑vaccine diseases fading, she warned of rising complacency—particularly in communities facing persistent barriers to healthcare.
This call for renewed focus is echoed by Jamie Waterall, registered nurse and Deputy Chief Public Health Nurse for England, writing in the Nursing Times. Waterall argues that nurses and midwives must lead the national effort to restore confidence in vaccination, drawing on their trusted relationships, community presence and ability to tackle inequalities. He emphasises the need for accessible, community‑centred services, strong professional leadership and clear, evidence‑based communication to counter misinformation and rebuild public trust.
Together, these perspectives underline a shared message: empowered nursing and midwifery leadership is essential to ensure vaccination—one of the most effective acts of self‑care—protects every child and adult who needs it.
