The Victorian Government is committed to increasing access to vaccination for all Victorians, and ensuring there are a range of vaccination options that are convenient and available to protect those people most at risk of vaccine-preventable disease.
A number of health professionals are authorised to administer vaccines in Victoria, including general practitioners, nurse immunisers, nurse practitioners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers, pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers.
The circumstances under which health professionals are authorised to administer vaccines varies, and is defined by their scope of practice, the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017. Information about requirements for Victorian nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers, and registered ATSIHP immunisers is available on this page.
The National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals
The National Framework is a set of minimum curriculum content requirements and must be used as a resource by those involved in immunisation program management and education to assist with the planning and implementation of immunisation education strategies for eligible health professionals at undergraduate or post-graduate level, or through in-service modes of education.
National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals
Health Education Services Australia
The Commonwealth Department of Health has established a single point of entry for immunisation education provider courses seeking to be accredited against the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals. Health Education Services Australia (HESA) will undertake the accreditation of immunisation education programs against the National Framework.
A central national register of accredited immunisation education programs will be maintained on the HESA website.
Please note that in Victoria, HESA accredited applicants may need to demonstrate further competencies relevant to Victoria’s immunisation specific requirements.
Nurse immunisers
In Victoria, nurse immunisers are registered nurses (not enrolled nurses) who can provide immunisations and manage adverse reactions in approved client groups in certain circumstances.
Pharmacist immunisers
Pharmacist immunisers and intern pharmacist immunisers are pharmacists who have completed a recognised ‘Immuniser program of study’ and administer immunisations to specific client groups.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers
Registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners who completed a recognised 'Immuniser program of study' can administer vaccines under instruction and supervision.
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