IMMUNIZATION UPDATE 2012 FOR REGISTERED NURSES
1. INTRODUCTION
Background
Immunization Programs within Manitoba are governed under the Communicable Disease Control Branch of Manitoba Health and Healthy Living. The Interlake Regional Health Authority (IRHA) Immunization Program is part of comprehensive communicable disease prevention, control and management and is a core public health service. Recommended immunization programs are based on national and provincial epidemiologic data and consultation within various committees and advisory groups at the regional and provincial levels.
Public Health Act and the IRHA Immunization Program
The IRHA is responsible for the coordination of health services based on the needs of the population in the Interlake. These health services include communicable disease control and prevention. Each Manitoba Regional Health Authority is responsible for implementing legislated services found in the Public Health Act. Immunization services are part of communicable disease control and disease prevention. The provision of such services makes public health staff an integral partner in improving health within communities.
Immunization Competency
All Public Health vaccine providers will have completed an immunization competency program prior to providing immunization services. An on-line immunization competency program, available at http://www.advancingpractice.com/p-68-immunization-competencies-education-program.aspx has been developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society in association with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada. This Immunization Competencies Education Program provides participants with an in depth review of the Immunization Competencies for Health Professionals, a national consensus on the education and training required by immunization providers. The purpose of the immunization competency program is to assist immunization providers to fulfill their roles as vaccine advocates, educators, and service providers. A vaccine provider must demonstrate the attitudes, knowledge, and clinical skills necessary to provide safe and effective immunization programs.
The Regional Immunization Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the immunization program orientation reflects evidenced-based guidelines and current Canadian public health practice. The Immunization Coordinator also ensures that Public Health staff who provide immunizations are competent through the Interlake RHA Immunization Competency Program criteria:
· Public Health Nurses will complete the Immunization Competencies Education Program prior to providing service.
· RN’s who pick up additional available shifts in the Immunization Program will complete the IRHA Immunization Competency Education Session prior to providing service or an on-line refresher package for returning RN’s.
· Current certification for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Community nurses are required to re-certify every 2 years.
· Completion of Anaphylaxis Management training.
*Click on item below to link to information:
4. INFLUENZA and PNEUMOCOCCAL PROGRAM
5. SCHOOL BASED IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Meningococcal C Vaccine:
Human Papillomavirus Vaccine:
6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF IMMUNIZATION UPDATE