The Federal Government has announced a new training program for Australia’s first COVID-19 vaccine. 

The first government-funded training modules for the COVID-19 vaccination workforce, including for immunisation providers and non-clinical and administration staff, are now available.

The Australian College of Nursing helped to develop and deliver the free and accredited training modules, which cover multi-dose vials, handling and storage of vaccines, safety and surveillance monitoring, and reporting for adverse events following immunisation.

These first modules are targeting health professionals in hospitals who will be administering the Pfizer vaccine, with the modules for the AstraZeneca vaccine still being developed.

Non-clinical training on topics such as handling, storage and administration is also available to support staff, including practice managers, receptionists, cleaners, and IT support.

“In preparation for Australia’s vaccine rollout, authorised immunisation providers must complete COVID-19 vaccine specific training,” health minister Greg Hunt says. 

“This will ensure our workforce is competent in safe management and administration of COVID-19 vaccines.”

All training content will be delivered through an e-learning platform, which is accessible here.