A Guide to Immunisation Training for Clinicians
This information was correct at time of publication and checked via local Immunisation leads, but it is the clinician’s responsibility to ensure that their training is appropriate and meets their professional needs and competence.
Initial Training
Clinicians new to immunisation need to complete initial training. This can be done in 2 ways:
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PCDC or alternative training provider |
Immunisation initiation for Nurses, Nursing Associates, Paramedics and Pharmacists. |
Vaccinators who are on a professional register such as NMC, GMC, HCPC, GPhC |
2 days |
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PCDC or alternative training provider |
Injection technique and immunisation training for Healthcare Assistant, Nursing Associates and Trainee Nursing Associates. |
Healthcare Assistants / Trainee Nurse Associates / Nursing Associates |
1.5 days |
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OR |
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‘This programme consists of seven knowledge sessions with accompanying assessments. It is recommended that those new to immunisation complete all seven sessions’ (from eLearning for healthcare website). Note - Session 3 - The vaccine preventable disease session includes sections on 14 kinds of vaccinations, but clinicians only need to complete for the vaccines that they plan to administer. |
Registered Nurses / Pharmacists / Paramedics / Advanced Practitioners / Nursing Associates / Trainee Nursing Associates / Healthcare Assistants |
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Following the theoretical training, clinicians should complete the competency assessment tool with a clinical mentor / supervisor.
Annual Refresher Training
Clinicians should access immunisation update training annually.
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PCDC or alternative training provider |
‘Influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and B12 update’ |
Healthcare Assistants, Registered Nurses, Pharmacists, Paramedics and Advanced Practitioners - who only give these limited immunisations |
Half day |
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PCDC or alternative training provider |
Immunisations and Vaccination Update |
Registered Nurses, Paramedics, Pharmacists and Advanced Practitioners who give the full range of immunisations |
Full day |
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OR |
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‘Those with prior knowledge and experience in immunisation may wish to read through the relevant knowledge sessions for refresher training or undertake the assessment sessions to check on their knowledge. Learners may also wish to only undertake the sessions relevant to their role.’ (from eLearning for healthcare website) |
Healthcare Assistants, Registered Nurses, Advanced Practitioners, Paramedics and Pharmacists. Healthcare Practitioners in general practice administering the full range of immunisations would need to update on all of these vaccines. |
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Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training
The PHE 2018 ‘National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training for Registered Healthcare Practitioners’ says refresher training should include:
Current issues in immunisation
Recent epidemiology of vaccine preventable disease
Any changes to vaccine recommendations or national policy
Update on vaccine ordering, storage and administration
Any changes to legislation relevant to vaccination
Review of current practice, recent vaccine incidents and identification of areas for improvement
Q&A session for problems encountered in practice
We would therefore suggest reviewing all the modules from e-learning from healthcare, followed by completion of a reflective piece on your own practice.
Influenza immunisation Training
A more detailed ‘Flu Immunisation FLU’ module is available on e-Learning for healthcare and should be completed for those who administer influenza.
Covid-19 Vaccination Training
Clinicians who are experienced immunisers and have up to date immunisation training will need to complete the Covid vaccine specific training on the vaccine they are administering on e-learning for healthcare.
Immunisers should also complete the following immunisation modules:
Legal aspects
Vaccine storage
Vaccine administration
All clinicians undertaking immunisation must be up to date with Basic Life Support and Anaphylaxis training. Copies of all certificates of completion and your reflection should be kept on record by your practice and by yourself as part of your professional portfolio.
All immunisers should keep updated on any recent changes to the schedule by reading Vaccine Update - GOV.UK.
There are also primary care immunisation webinar series for those that feel they need additional training.
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