Practice nurse administering MMR vaccine

Nurse's Role in MMR Uptake: What Influences Parents?

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into practice nurses' perceptions and impact on Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine decisions. Uncover the key factors that shape parental choices and how nurses can bridge the gap."

Immunisation stands as a cornerstone of public health, pivotal in controlling and eradicating life-threatening infectious diseases. Each year, it's estimated that immunisation averts between 2 and 3 million deaths worldwide, offering protection against vaccine-preventable diseases. Countries like the United Kingdom have structured national immunisation programmes that evolve as new vaccines become available.

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, a combined vaccine administered in two doses, plays a crucial role in these programmes. Recommended for infants at 12 months and again before school entry, it aims to provide immunity against these highly contagious diseases. However, parental decisions surrounding MMR vaccination are complex and influenced by various factors.

Principle health professionals, such as practice nurses, are at the forefront of immunisation programmes. They directly provide the vaccinations. This review explores the perceptions of practice nurses to better inform how they can positively influence uptake of the MMR vaccine. It looks at the beliefs and perceptions of practice nurses and their role in parental immunisation decisions.

Unpacking the Factors Influencing Parental MMR Vaccine Decisions

Practice nurse administering MMR vaccine

Practice nurses identify several factors that influence parents' decisions about the MMR vaccine. These range from socioeconomic status to concerns about vaccine safety and access to reliable information. It's a multifaceted issue with no single determining factor.

Several recurring themes emerged from an integrative review of twelve studies focusing on the beliefs and perceptions of practice nurses. These themes highlight the complex interplay of factors that affect parental decisions and the crucial role nurses play in navigating these challenges:

Parental Immunisation Influencing Factors: Socioeconomic status and concerns about vaccine safety are big concerns. Views about the impact of socio-economic status vary by practice. Some find that more affluent parents tend to be more critical.
Practice Nurse Characteristics: Nurses' knowledge, training, and communication skills directly impact their ability to address parental concerns and promote vaccine uptake. Discordant views of practice nurses can make immunisation programs difficult.
Information and Communication: The sources of information practice nurses use to inform their consultations are key. Nurses use a variety of sources, including the media, immunisation co-ordinators, and the Department of Health. Only 8% of UK nurses used peer-reviewed journals as a source.
Personal Views and Concerns: Nurses' own beliefs and concerns about the MMR vaccine can influence their interactions with parents. There are some concerns about vaccine safety and the need for two doses of the vaccine.

These findings underscore the need for ongoing support and training for practice nurses. They are the front line workers in promoting immunisation.

Empowering Nurses: The Path to Increased MMR Uptake

To effectively address parental concerns and increase MMR vaccine uptake, it's crucial to empower practice nurses with the necessary tools and resources. That will give them the resources needed to address concerns effectively.

Immunisation training needs to be tailored to meet changes to national programs. It also ensures nurses are equipped with contemporary evidence to inform their clinical practice. In other words, nurses need regular support.

By addressing these factors, we can empower practice nurses to effectively communicate the benefits of the MMR vaccine, address parental concerns, and ultimately improve immunisation rates for the health and well-being of our communities.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/jan.13827, Alternate LINK

Title: What Are The Beliefs And Perceptions Of Practice Nurses’ Influence About The Uptake Of The Measles, Mumps, And Rubella Vaccine?: An Integrative Literature Review

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Journal of Advanced Nursing

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Marie Catherine Hill, Debra Salmon, Leanne M. Aitken

Published: 2018-09-17

Everything You Need To Know

Why is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine so important, and when is it typically administered?

The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is crucial because it protects against three highly contagious diseases. It's typically administered in two doses, the first around 12 months of age and the second before a child starts school. The goal is to provide immunity and prevent outbreaks of these diseases, which can lead to serious complications. However, parental decisions regarding MMR vaccination are complex and influenced by various factors, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to address concerns and promote informed choices.

What are some of the main factors that practice nurses find influence parents' decisions regarding the MMR vaccine?

Practice nurses encounter a range of factors influencing parents' decisions about the MMR vaccine. These include socioeconomic status, where some nurses observe that more affluent parents might be more critical, and pervasive concerns about vaccine safety fueled by misinformation or lack of reliable information. Access to accurate information and effective communication strategies are also pivotal. This multifaceted issue requires nurses to navigate complex parental beliefs and provide tailored support.

From where do practice nurses get their information about the MMR vaccine, and what are the implications of these sources?

Practice nurses utilize various sources to inform their consultations regarding the MMR vaccine, including the media, immunisation co-ordinators, and official channels like the Department of Health. However, a notable finding is that only a small percentage of UK nurses (8%) rely on peer-reviewed journals. This highlights a potential gap in accessing the most up-to-date scientific evidence, which is essential for addressing parental concerns accurately and confidently. Encouraging greater use of peer-reviewed resources could enhance the quality of information provided during consultations.

How do the characteristics of practice nurses impact Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine uptake?

A practice nurse's knowledge, training, and communication skills are critical in addressing parental concerns and promoting MMR vaccine uptake. If nurses hold discordant views or lack confidence in the vaccine's safety and efficacy, it can hinder their ability to effectively counsel parents. Ongoing support and training are essential to ensure that practice nurses are well-equipped to address concerns, provide accurate information, and foster trust with parents. This can positively influence parental decisions regarding MMR vaccination.

How do the perceptions and beliefs of practice nurses affect the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine decisions of parents?

The perceptions and beliefs of practice nurses regarding the MMR vaccine directly affect how they interact with parents and influence immunisation decisions. Concerns about vaccine safety or the need for two doses can impact their communication and recommendations. Addressing these personal views and providing comprehensive training are essential to ensure that nurses confidently promote the MMR vaccine and address parental concerns effectively. Ongoing support can empower them to become strong advocates for immunisation and contribute to higher uptake rates.