Influenza & Pneumococcal Vaccination for HCAs

Outline Content

The course will cover; national policy and schedules; the immune system and how vaccines work; storage and handling of vaccines; legal aspects; documentation and record keeping; communicating with patients; improving immunisation rates; administration of vaccines, and anaphylaxis. The vaccination certificate course is suitable for experienced Health Care Assistants working within primary care alongside a registered nurse mentor. It is expected that students will have a minimum of two years experience as a Health Care Assistant in Primary Care and have completed NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or General Healthcare, or have evidence of ongoing development and learning and have had their competence assessed against National Occupational Standards or National Workforce Competencies at Level 3 standard. Students must have completed CPR Training within the previous twelve months.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course the HCA will have a sound understanding of:

* The principles and practice of the influenza and pheumococcal vaccination programme
* The safety issues related to vaccination of the general adult population
* The legal aspects of vaccination

They will have the ability to:

* Demonstrate safe administration of the vaccines to the practice population according to patient specific directions
* Describe adverse reactions and cope in these situations

Section Headings

* Aims of immunisation
* The immune system
* Symptoms of the virus
* Legal and accountability aspects
* Patient Specific Directions
* Communication skills
* Storage and handling
* Administration
* Health and safety
* Adverse reactions

Assessment

The course will be facilitated by workbooks to be completed by the student and signed off by the mentor. Assessment of Competence to administer vaccines will be signed off by the mentor. A Certificate, valid for one year, will be issued on completion of the competencies.