Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Nurses are among the most trusted health professionals and often serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking vaccine information. This study aimed to explore Belgian nurses’ experiences with COVID-19 vaccine communication, their encounters with misinformation, and their support needs for playing an active role in future pandemic preparedness strategies.
METHODS: We interviewed 12 nurses from various care settings (hospitals, home care, nursing homes, vaccination centers) using a semi-structured format. The interviews were conducted in Dutch between March and May 2025. Thematic analysis was performed using the QUAGOL framework and NVivo software. Participants included both junior and senior nurses, with varied levels of exposure to vaccination campaigns.
RESULTS: Most nurses reported being approached by patients with questions about COVID-19 vaccines, but only a minority (3/12) felt adequately equipped to provide clear answers. Key concerns included fear of side effects (e.g., fertility or cardiac risks), confusion about different vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA vs. traditional vaccines), and skepticism stemming from inconsistent messaging. About one-third of participants expressed personal hesitancy and preferred to defer vaccine discussions to physicians. Despite this, many sought to offer factual, non-judgmental information when asked. Across interviews, nurses consistently emphasized the need for clear, accessible, and multilingual educational materials, early and transparent communication during rollouts, and structured training on how to address misinformation empathetically.
CONCLUSIONS: Nurses have the potential to play a pivotal role in building vaccine confidence during pandemics, but they must be supported with training, tools, and institutional recognition. These insights can inform preparedness strategies that equip nurses to better support patient-centered decision-making during future vaccine rollouts.