Registered and enrolled nurses, pharmacists and paramedics (or other health professional whose scope of practice allows for vaccinations) can apply for authorisation after completing required education, workplace learning, and clinical assessment.
Authorised vaccinators can administer vaccines without prescriptions or standing orders, as outlined in their authorisation documentation.
Clinical assessment with an approved assessor
Nurses, paramedics and some pharmacists apply for authorisation
Authorised vaccinators can administer vaccines as outlined in their authorisation documentation.
The following health professionals are eligible to become authorised vaccinators::
General practitioners, nurse practitioners and midwives have prescribing rights in their scope of practice. Therefore, they can administer vaccines permitted within their scope without becoming an authorised vaccinator. These prescribers may choose to complete the Flexible learning vaccinator foundation course (FLVFC) from a professional development perspective.
For more information about midwives’ vaccination scope and recommended education, please see immune.org.nz/immunisation-workforce/midwives
Also required:
Note: Authorised vaccinators are required to undertake further education to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Click here to view COVID-19 education page.
The process of applying for authorisation has changed from locally managed systems to national authorisation via the HNZ Workforce Requests Portal. Visit the Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora website for further details on getting authorised.
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Vaccinator authorisation is valid for two years from the date of the Flexible learning vaccinator foundation course (FLVFC) and must be renewed every two years.
To renew, complete the vaccinator update course within two years of Flexible learning vaccinator foundation course and then within two years of most recent update and apply to the HNZ Workforce Requests Portal.
Other requirements to support application are detailed in the Immunisation Handbook Appendix 4, A4.1.3.
Lapsed less than 3 months: Complete an updated authorisation course
Lapsed 90 days to 2 years: Complete an approved update course; Complete a full clinical assessment with an approved assessor
Lapsed excess of 2 years: Complete the Flexible learning vaccinator foundation course (FLVFC); Complete a full clinical assessment with an approved assessor
NOTE: Authorised vaccinator status is not valid until an updated authorisation letter is received by the vaccinator. Vaccinators are required to provide evidence of a current practicing certificate and current CPR.
Pharmacist and intern pharmacist vaccinators can administer vaccines under the Medicines Classifications, which define specific conditions for each vaccine. They have the same training and clinical assessment requirements as an authorised vaccinator but are not required to apply for authorisation status to be able to work as a pharmacist/intern pharmacist vaccinator.
However, pharmacists are encouragedto follow the authorisation pathway to become authorised vaccinators. Thisenables the administration of a wider range of vaccines, central storage ofvaccinator documents within the portal, automated renewal reminders, and use ofa vaccinator skills log to support skill development through 1:1 mentoring tobuild confidence before clinical assessment.
Optional course for clinical supervisors to the vaccinating health worker workforce
With the introduction of the new unregulated vaccinator workforces (COVID-19 Vaccinators Working Under Supervision and Vaccinating Health Workers), fully authorised and provisionally authorised vaccinators may be clinical supervisors at the vaccination site.
It is recommended those undertaking or preparing for the clinical supervisor role to complete the vaccinating health worker clinical supervisor course.
Visit the midwives page
Registered midwives practising in New Zealand hold a valid annual practising certificate and have prescribing rights in their scope of practice. This means midwives can administer vaccines permitted within their scope.
IMAC has an online immunisation course tailored specifically for midwives. The Midwife Vaccinator course (online) is available here
