Immunisation
Our work with general practice and other key immunisation stakeholders is helping to protect people and communities against the spread of disease.
On this page:
General practices in Victoria should follow the Victorian Immunisation Schedule which incorporates the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and Victorian-specific immunisation programs.
Introduction to immunisation for general practice nurses
Learn about the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services immunisation program, the role of the nurse, the difference between government and privately funded vaccines and the resources available to support general practices.
General practice nurses’ scope of practice
Registered and enrolled nurses can provide immunisations in a general practice setting, as per a doctor’s medication order and provided it is within their scope of practice. Nurse immunisers who have completed an additional approved immuniser course can administer National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines without a doctor’s order.
Our immunisation services
EMPHN supports immunisation in primary care through:
- Education and webinars on immunisation topics
- HealthPathways Melbourne immunisation resource pages
- POLAR data extraction and walkthroughs to examine clinical data
HealthPathways Melbourne
POLAR data tool
Events and training calendar
Resources
The primary source of immunisation resources in Victoria is the Victorian Department of Health. Their resources include:
- Victorian Immunisation Schedule
- Vaccine order forms and stock information (health.vic.gov.au)
- Cold chain management | health.vic.gov.au
Other important resources:
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- National Catch-up Calculator
- National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance For health professionals | NCIRS
- Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) tips | NCIRS
- For healthcare professionals | Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation | SKAI
- Australian Immunisation Register for health professionals – Services Australia
- SAEFVIC Adverse Events Following Immunisation www.saefvic.org.au
- Pneumococcal vaccination schedule from 1 July 2020 – Clinical decision tree
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne: Immunisation Service