Gain the knowledge required to administer vaccines autonomously (subject to local legislation). The course is recognised in all states in Australia.

Nurses are advised to check the guidelines for nurse immunisers with their local State/Territory Immunisation department before commencing practice.
A list of state and territory contact details can be found here.

Eligibility

You must have 1 year work experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) to enrol in this course.

Acceptable documentation as proof includes:

• a recent letter from your employer stating that you have completed at least one year of clinical practice as a Division 1 registered nurse, OR
• an HR record or a recent payslip showing your current grade

You will receive the outcome of you application in 5-7 business days via email

Assessments

All assessments are Multiple Choice Format:

8 x end of topic tests

10 x case studiess

1 x Exam, pass mark 80%

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes of the program are consistent with the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals.

1. Evaluate the impact immunisation programs have on public health including knowledge of strategies and resources to increase immunisation coverage rates in Australia.
2. Explain the role of the National Immunisation Program and the National Immunisation program schedule in funding and vaccine service delivery.
3. Select vaccines based on knowledge of vaccine preventable diseases, the immune system, the vaccine components and how vaccines work.
4. Understand the risks and benefits of vaccination and utilise relevant information resources to gain informed consent from parents and adults who present for vaccination.
5. Discuss legal and ethical considerations for immunisation practice.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the cold chain national guidelines and the management and reporting of adverse events.
7. Understand essential documentation and reporting requirements for the delivery of a safe immunisation service.

Placement

Placements are mandatory for Nurses in Tasmania, optional for all other states in Australia.

Administrative fee of $130 apply for placements.

Placements must be authorised before students can attend. Placements can be completed in your current workplace or alternatively with a local council or other immunisation provider.

During your placements, you will:

• Complete 4 immunisations on children under two years of age (5 immunisations for Tasmania)
• Complete 6 other immunisations
• Competency assessment completed by a nurse immuniser or medical practitioner

Submission of a signed logbook is required for the placement certificate.

Accreditation

The Immunisation (Nurse Immuniser) short course is based on the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals (2017) and has been accredited by the National body for health education Health Education Services Australia (HESA).

Advanced Standing

This short course can also be used as credit for the elective subject in the Graduate Certificate in Primary Care Nursing (conditions apply).

Scholarships

Generous scholarships are available for

1. People identifying as Aboriginal and /or Torres Strait Islanders. Email mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au to apply.
2. Rural and remote nurses providing primary health care in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) sector, non-government organisations, and private practice across Australia. Find out more.

Course Coordinator

• Tracy Murphy, RN. RM. MANP, Nurse Immuniser

Testimonials

"I highly recommend this course, the content was easy to follow, activities were engaging and appropriate. The facilitator Tracy was fantastic - very encouraging, knowledgeable and always so prompt in response to any questions. Supportive and prompt administrator staff. Student online communication platform (Facebook) a great resource to connect and bounce off questions and ideas. Thoroughly enjoyed this course"

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Us

E: mobile-learning@unimelb.edu.au

T: +61 3 8344 5673