Consent in Vaccination: Principles, Practice & Communication

This course is ideal for nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, and anyone involved in vaccination administration or consent processes. Whether you are newly qualified or experienced, you’ll leave with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to support safe, ethical vaccination practice.

This focused 90-minute session will guide you through the key principles of consent in vaccination, enhance your understanding of legal and ethical frameworks, and sharpen your communication skills for diverse patient groups.

What will you learn?

Understand Key Principles

Define valid consent in the context of vaccination.Differentiate between implied, verbal and written consent, and know when each is appropriate.

Assess Capacity and Appropriateness

Recognise the difference between capacity, competence, and assent.Identify when a person may lack capacity and outline appropriate next steps (e.g., involving legal guardians, best-interest decisions).

Communicate Effectively

Provide vaccine information in a way that is understandable and accessible to diverse patients.Respond appropriately to questions, hesitancy, and refusal.Use communication strategies suitable for children, adults, vulnerable groups, and those with language/communication barriers.

Apply Consent in Practice

Follow the correct process for obtaining and recording consent prior to vaccination.Understand the roles and responsibilities of registered vs. unregistered clinicians in the consent pathway.

Recognise and Manage Challenges

Identify situations where consent may be invalid (e.g., coercion, misunderstanding).Handle disagreements (e.g., parental conflict, fluctuating capacity, refusal).

Promote Safe, Ethical Practice

Reflect on personal and professional responsibility in vaccination delivery.Know how to apply organisational policy and professional standards consistently.