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Immunisation Procedure
See also Immunisation.
When performing immunisations, we follow:
We contact the immunisation coordinator or the Immunisation Advisory Centre for advice when we have any questions or concerns e.g. on vaccine dosage or if a patient has known allergies.
Immunisation procedure
- Check the vaccine and patient details against the current immunisation schedule to ensure the vaccine is appropriate for that patient, and that the correct vaccine is being used. It is best practice to have a second person also check that all details are correct.
- Obtain informed consent from the patient, or their parent/guardian. This includes information on:
- the vaccine being given
- vaccine-preventable diseases and the risks of not being vaccinated
- the vaccination programme and information about the AIR
- the potential side effects including possible adverse reactions and how to manage them
- what to do and who to contact if they have any concerns post-immunisation.
- Check the fridge temperature before removing the vaccine.
See Cold Chain Management for information about storing vaccines.
- Have the patient remain at the practice for 20 minutes following immunisation to observe for any adverse reactions. The observation period may vary for some vaccines and age groups – refer to the National Immunisation Handbook.
If the patient or their parent/caregiver elects not to stay at the practice, document this in the patient record.
Report adverse reactions to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring) and follow the incident management procedure on Managing and Reporting Incidents.
- Record the immunisation and details about the vaccination in the patient record and the Aotearoa Immunisation Register.
- For babies and children, record the details in the Well Child Book and complete any immunisation certificates required.