Vaccines have controlled or even eradicated some of the world’s most serious diseases. But the success of immunisation is limited by motivational and practical issues. Scientists are currently working hard to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, yet the safest and most effective vaccines won’t be of any use if the public will not, or cannot, take them. On International Nurses Day, Professor Julie Leask gave a talk about current research into routine immunisation and the critical role of nurse and midwives in influencing vaccination uptake. Julie is a social scientist specialising in immunisation and an advisor to the World Health Organization. She is based at the University of Sydney Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery (Sydney Nursing School). Professor Donna Waters, Head and Dean of the Sydney Nursing School provided the introduction. For further resources, including the transcript, visit our website: https://bit.ly/2xCcEQA