Department of Health

Key messages

  • The Chief Health Officer has recognised a number of programs of study as 'Nurse Immuniser programs of study' and 'Immuniser programs of study'. Some programs are Health Education Services Australia (HESA) accreditedExternal Link against the National Immunisation Education Framework for Health Professionals.
  • Pharmacist Immunisers must complete an 'Immuniser program of study' that is available for completion by pharmacists.
  • Pharmacist Immunisers must successfully complete any mandated training modules for vaccines that are not included within an approved immuniser program of study prior to administering these vaccines.

The Chief Health Officer has recognised a number of 'Nurse Immuniser programs of study' and 'Immuniser programs of study' in Victoria.

Pharmacist Immunisers must complete an 'Immuniser program of study' that is available for completion by pharmacists. Pharmacists that have completed immunisation training in other jurisdictions are not authorised to administer vaccinations in Victoria. No interstate programs available to pharmacists have been recognised by the Victorian Chief Health Officer.

Recognised programs of study provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the role of an Immuniser in Victoria and assist them to develop the knowledge and clinical skills required to safely deliver an immunisation service.

Immuniser programs of study

Victorian Pharmacist Immunisation Training Program

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
381 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC 3052
Email: vic.branch@psa.org.au
Tel: 03 9389 4000
Fax: 03 9389 4044

Website: Immunisation trainingExternal Link

Pharmacy Guild Immunisation Course - VIC

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria
40 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC 3122
Email: training@vic.guild.org.au
Tel: 03 9810 9999
Fax: 03 9819 2542

Website: Pharmacy guild - Immunisation trainingExternal Link

Japanese encephalitis training program

Pharmacist immunisers who are administering the JE vaccine to eligible individuals in Victoria must first complete the Japanese encephalitis eLearning module that has been approved by the Deputy Chief Health Officer – Communicable Disease. The module is free and available at the Victorian Immunisation Learning HubExternal Link .

For queries about the Japanese encephalitis training, please email the Immunisation Unit: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au.

Monkeypox vaccination training program

Pharmacist immunisers who are administering the monkeypox (MPX) vaccine to persons recommended for vaccination in Victoria must first complete the Monkeypox vaccination eLearning module that has been approved by the Deputy Chief Health Officer – Communicable Disease. The module is free and available at the Victorian Immunisation Learning HubExternal Link .

For queries about the monkeypox vaccination training, please email the Immunisation Unit: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au.

Paediatric Training

In recognition of the additional clinical and communication skills required to administer vaccines to younger children, it is strongly recommended that pharmacist immunisers view the Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) Immunising Children and Infants webinar which was developed for workforces administering the COVID-19 vaccine to children aged five and over. This is available free of charge from the MVEC websiteExternal Link .

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia have also developed additional training modules and refresher training for pharmacist immunisers who may wish to support their competency and currency of practice administering vaccines to this younger age group.

These include a module on childhood immunisationExternal Link and refresher training on the administration of vaccinations for young childrenExternal Link .

Reviewed 12 May 2023

Health.vic

Contact details

Opening hours:  9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Immunisation Unit Department of Health

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