The Australian Government has created a strategy to gradually offer the COVID-19 vaccine to all Australians. We’ve broken down the strategy and how you can become an immunisation nurse to help out!
What is the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout?
From early 2021, the Australian Government has had access to the the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines have both undergone thorough testing phases and have been approved as a prevention method for the coronavirus in Australia.
The Australian Government is implementing a 3-phase rollout plan that will give Australians access to the vaccine in phases. The strategy will prioritise those who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19. As more vaccines become available, more Australians will be made eligible to receive the vaccine until all Australians over the age of 16 are eligible.
The vaccine is free and voluntary. Most Australians will be eligible in Phase 2b of the rollout.
The Rollout Strategy
Vaccine Plan sourced from 9 News. https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-covid19-vaccine-rollout-when-you-will-be-eligible-to-receive-the-jab/a407eaf4-1ff0-42f4-851a-5d062f890cd0
Get involved: Healthcare workers
The Australian Government has partnered with the Australian College of Nursing to provide free accredited COVID-19 vaccination training modules. This training will be made available to health professionals in hospitals, general practices, clinics and pharmacies to ensure the safe management and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
You can find the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program here.
All healthcare professionals who wish to become COVID-19 immunisers must undergo this COVID-19 Vaccination Training and be certified to administer immunisations within their relevant state.
Each state has its own legislation to authorise nurses to deliver, order, transport and report upon immunisations. This means that nurses may need to undergo different immunisation courses depending on the state in which they practice. It is the responsibility of the healthcare professional to source a training course that is HESA accredited and recognised within their relevant state. These courses may incur a fee at the cost of the nurse.
We have compiled a list of the cheapest approved courses available.
307 Immunisation for Health Practitioners
Understanding Vaccines and the National Immunisation Program
