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.

Registration requirements

You must:  

• be a pharmacist intern who has been provided with a access coupon by PSNZ.

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 40minutes 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.