This 14–15 hour course combines online learning and assessment with an additional 4-hour practical workshop

It provides knowledge and skills to safely administer vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule, within the health professional’s scope of practice. It is an essential requirement for authorisation or approval as a pharmacist vaccinator.  

Important information: This course is currently fully funded by Health New Zealand to support new vaccinators. There are a limited number of spaces available, and we often have waiting lists, so please ensure you are able to meet all the conditions below, including attending the face-to-face practical session before continuing with the course.

Registration requirements

You must:    

• be a registered nurse, enrolled nurse, pharmacist, pharmacist intern or paramedic  
• have a current annual practicing certificate
• have a suitable workplace and supervision to complete the practical skills training and clinical assessment.

Note: Nurse prescribers, nurse practitioners, medical doctors and midwives, 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   

Course assessment  

A set of 80 multiple choice questions, delivered in two parts, assessing safety and general vaccine knowledge (up to 1 hour and 40 minutes timeframe) You should complete and pass the online assessment BEFORE attending the four hour face-to-face practical workshop. 

Practical workshop 

Attend the venue on the date and time you chose when registering for this course 

Workplace experience and clinical assessment  

In addition to the online and face to face education, you are required to work with an experienced vaccinator, evidenced by completing the Vaccinator skills log, and complete a clinical assessment with an approved assessor - usually the local immunisation coordinator.  

• The workplace experience and assessment take place in the workplace. It is the learner's responsibility to organise.   
• The Vaccinator skills log and the clinical assessment must be completed within 12 months of the practical workshop. 

To note: 

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