Nurse Immuniser Program

This course covers immunisation throughout the lifespan but excludes travel and COVID-19 immunisation.  It follows the Australian Government Department of Health, National Framework for Immunisation Education for Health Professionals guideline (2017).

The course includes two components: 

Theory 

Delivered via flexible online mode over 15 weeks, supported by two compulsory online study days. The curriculum is based on the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals and covers: 

• The global and Australian context for immunisation 
• The immune system and immunisation
• The law, ethics and immunisation

Immunisation Practice Clinical 

You will complete the clinical requirements of the course either a clinical simulation at our Melbourne (Bundoora) campus, or under the direct mentorship of an accredited immuniser.

Course completion requirements:                                                    

• You will need to provide evidence of completing the theoretical course component prior to undertaking the practice clinical component. 
• A copy of your current CPR certificate - Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation unit of competency for adults, children and infants (or equivalent)
• A copy of current Police Check and a copy of current Working with Children Check 

The course is equivalent to 15 credit points at postgraduate level (AQF levels 8/9).Completion of this course will enable you to apply for advanced standing into postgraduate studies in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at La Trobe University. This course constitutes 150 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

• About the impact immunisation programs have had as a public health matter, the National Immunisation Program and the National Immunisation Program Schedule 
• How vaccines work and the immune response, as well as management and reporting of adverse events following immunisation 
• About the various vaccine types and their components and the factors affecting immunisation 
• About the cold chain and current national guidelines for storing, handling and transporting vaccines 
• How to deliver a safe immunisation service, including documentation and reporting in accordance with national and state/territory guidelines, policies and procedures 
• How to develop strategies and resources to improve immunisation coverage rates in Australia and the key features of vaccine preventable diseases.