This course combines online learning and a face-to-face tutorial.* The FLVFC will provide nurses, pharmacists and paramedics with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively administer vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule, as appropriate within your scope of practice. It is an essential requirement for authorisation or approval as a vaccinator. Additional requirements to attain authorisation are outlined in the Immunisation Handbook, Appendix 4.

The online course is approximately 14–15** hours of study, which can be completed at your own pace but MUST be completed prior to attending the 4-hour classroom tutorial.

Once your tutorial attendance is confirmed, you can complete the online open-book assessment.  

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Registration requirements  

You should:

• be a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, pharmacist or paramedic

• have a current annual practicing certificate

• have knowledge and familiarity with the current Immunisation Handbook

Note: Midwives and medical doctors, as prescribers, need not be authorised to administer vaccines. These professional groups may still enrol in this course to gain greater understanding of vaccines and immunisation service delivery in Aotearoa/New Zealand.  

Course content

• Immunisation and vaccine-preventable diseases

• The immune system

• National Immunisation Schedule

• Types and composition of vaccines

• Vaccine safety

• Storage and handling of vaccines

• Improving immunisation coverage

• Informed consent and immunisation communication

• Vaccine administration

• Legislation, endorsement and authorisation

Clinical assessment

• This is a requirement for attaining pharmacist or authorised vaccinator status.

• This assessment normally takes place in the vaccinator's workplace. Arrangements are the responsibility of the course participant - neither IMAC nor local Immunisation Coordinators can arrange this.
• Ideally, you should complete your clinical assessment within 6 months of completing the coursework.

*Please choose only one date and location to add to your cart. If you need to change dates, please contact our education team at imaceducation@auckland.ac.nz

**The estimated time is based on the core coursework – those not familiar with online learning may find it takes longer. Accessing suggested optional reading will increase the estimated time to complete.