Vaccine know-how. Kimberley immunisation study: community nurses immunisation education, knowledge and practice.

In the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia, community nurses administer almost all childhood vaccines. This paper discusses the immunisation education, knowledge and practice of this group of nurses. This research was part of a larger Kimberley immunisation study. The first phase investigated the immunisation cover and timing of vaccine administration to children in the 0-18 month age group in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Phase two investigated immunisation education, knowledge and practice. The study findings suggest that community nurses are knowledgeable about vaccine administration, and administer vaccines appropriately to children with multiple infections, weight loss and failure to thrive. They are also 'active' in following up children due and overdue for vaccines. However, a lack of on-going nursing immunisation education was reported.