Exploring nurses' experiences with a school-located influenza vaccination program: A qualitative study in the region of Murcia, Spain

Abstract

A cross-sectional qualitative pilot study was designed to assess the nurses' perspectives regarding a school-located influenza vaccination pilot program. The program was developed during the 2022-2023 season in the Region of Murcia (an autonomous community of Spain) targeting the 3- to 4-year population in 24 public schools, using the intranasal Fluenz® Tetra vaccine. School nurses unanimously recognized their professional role not only in administering the vaccine, but also in the development and implementation of general aspects of the pilot program and reported that the experience was very positive. Nursing professionals should be fully involved in providing information to parents about the main aspects of influenza infection and benefits of having their children vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Nurses also advocated that the flu vaccination for children should begin at the same time as vaccination for adults, with vaccination planning completely integrated into the school schedule.Practice implications: The study results could guide healthcare authorities in facilitating the implementation of school-located influenza vaccination programs and increase immunization of preschool children against flu.