Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training
Preparation of vaccine for administration to a patient
It is noted that there is some variation in the advice provided in the Commonwealth COVID-19 vaccine training module for Multi-dose vials and the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca Information Sheets with respect to the preparation of the vaccines. Models of vaccine preparation for administration to a patient will vary dependent on the service model and location, and the particular vaccine being prepared. In the particular and unique circumstances of the pandemic it is acceptable that a process involving recapping of needles is used even where this may not be consistent with existing health service instructions, policies and procedures. Regardless of the preparation model used (i.e. recapping or not), the core principles of maintaining aseptic preparation of vaccine for administration to a patient must be adhered to. In addition, workplace health and safety principles to reduce the risk of needle stick injury to workers should be followed (for example, use of scoop technique and/or needle cap holder).
PLEASE NOTE: Training requirements for workers not administering the vaccine have changed from 30 march 2021. Please review the training matrix requirments.
Queensland COVID vaccination training matrix
All workers for Queensland Government controlled COVID-19 vaccination services must complete the mandatory training requirements relevant to their role detailed in the Queensland COVID-19 Vaccination Training Matrix (PDF 353 kB).
The training matrix specifies the training required of each work role involved in the vaccination process, including clinical and administrative worker roles. All workers must comply with the requirements outlined in the matrix when providing COVID-19 vaccination
More information is available under Queensland Health’s COVID-19 vaccination services policies and plans.
Evidence of training completion
All workers for Queensland Government controlled COVID-19 vaccination services must complete or have completed the mandatory training requirements relevant to their role.
Each worker is required to submit evidence of training completion as directed by their facility or Hospital and Health Service. The Declaration Checklist COVID-19 Vaccination Training – Evidence of Completion form (PDF 604 kB) can be used to record training completion evidence.
Declared providers must keep a register of all training completed by their workers and provide a copy to the chief executive of Queensland Health if requested.
Which training modules do I have to complete?
I am a:
- worker authorised to administer (receive, handle, prepare and administer) COVID-19 vaccine for a declared provider;
- workers authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine
- worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine
- worker in the Health Contact Centre who has direct contact with clients
- worker providing clerical services in COVID-19 vaccination centres
Worker authorised to administer (receive, handle, prepare and administer) COVID-19 vaccine for a declared provider
Definition: Worker authorised to administer (receive, handle, prepare and administer) COVID-19 vaccine for a declared provider:
- Medical practitioner
- Healthcare worker authorised under the Queensland Health Drug Therapy Protocol – Communicable Diseases Program to administer a vaccine for COVID-19
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners - practicing in an isolated practice area in a Hospital and Health Service or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health service
- Indigenous health workers - practicing in an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community in an isolated practice area
- Pharmacists
- QAS ambulance officers who are paramedic 3, 3(ECP) or 4
- Registered nurses
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners in a clinical role in any location
- Indigenous health worker in a clinical role in any location
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker in a clinical role in any location
- Midwife
- Enrolled nurse, but only if under supervision of an immunisation professional*
- Medical technician/medic (Australian Defence Force)
- student medical practitioner, student registered nurse, trainee pharmacist, or student paramedic, but only if under personal supervision** of an immunisation professional
- Recently retired (less than three years) health practitioners outlined in a. to e. above.
Part 1 – Australian Government COVID-19 vaccination training modules
Logging in
Queensland workers authorised to administer the vaccine should log into Australian Government COVID-19 vaccination training modules as outlined below:
- Staff authorised to vaccinate who already hold routine immunisation training specific to their profession: select the “Immunisation Professional with Ahpra number” option then relevant training completed from the “Approved Immunisation Program Completed” drop down box.
- Staff authorised to vaccinate do not hold specific immunisation qualifications and students: select “Immunisation Professional without Ahpra number” option and select “Other approved immunisation course” from the “Approved Immunisation Program Completed” drop-down box. Please note: In Queensland certain health professionals are authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccination without having completed an approved immunisation course. This is the appropriate log-in for these staff.
| Worker authorised to administer (receive, handle, prepare and administer) COVID-19 vaccine for a declared provider | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Cwth - Core Module 1 COVID-19 – An introduction | Mandatory |
| Cwth - Core Module 2 Handling and storage | Mandatory |
| Cwth - Core Module 3 Communication and purpose | Mandatory |
| Cwth - Core Module 4 Multi-dose vial (MDV) training and delivery | Mandatory |
| Core Module 5 Documentation and reporting | Mandatory |
| Cwth - Core Module 6 Safety surveillance and reporting of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) | Mandatory |
| Cwth - Additional Module 1 – Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling, preparing or administering Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine) |
| Cwth - Additional Module 2 -AstraZeneca vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling, preparing or administering AstraZeneca vaccine) |
Part 2 - Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training requirements
Declared providers should confirm COVID-19 vaccination service workers have current knowledge and skill / competency in the below training requirements. This can be undertaken via self-assessment using the worker declaration checklist or through recognition of prior learning / prior course completion. COVID-19 vaccination workers should undertake upskilling or further training as required based on identified need. QAS ambulance officers who are paramedic 3, 3(ECP) or 4, existing QAS internal training satisfies Queensland training requirements for the topics: National Privacy Principles; Infection Prevention and Control; Vaccine administration; Basic Life Support and Manual Handling and Ergonomics.
| Worker authorised to administer (receive, handle, prepare and administer) COVID-19 vaccine for a declared provider | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Queensland COVID Vaccination Management Solution local user training Supporting resources: local information from Declared Provider | Mandatory |
| Australian Immunisation Register Training and access via PRODA Supporting resource: Guide for Hospital Hubs; Accessing AIR using PRODA individuals; Accessing AIR using PRODA organisations | As required by Declared Provider |
| Culturally appropriate communication for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: iLearn module; Multicultural Clinical Support Resource folder | Recommended |
| National Privacy Principles or the Information Privacy Principles under the Queensland Information Privacy Act 2009 in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities under the Act. Supporting resources: Legislation | Mandatory |
| Infection prevention and control in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resource: QH Infection Prevention website | Mandatory |
| Vaccine administration including Intramuscular injection, injury prevention and anaphylaxis management. This must include vaccination technique for the prevention of shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA). In compliance with organisational mandatory and requisite
training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: SIRVA training; Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter and table . | Mandatory |
| Basic Life Support (BLS) in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements | Mandatory |
| Manual Handling and Ergonomics in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements Supporting resources: Mass vaccination and ergonomics PPT (PDF 8565 kB) ; Patient handling (QH device only); Health, safety and wellbeing (QH device only) ; Transferring a person from a chair to floor in a medical emergency | Mandatory |
| First Nations COVID -19 Vaccination Training Supporting resources: Online modules and face-to-face workshop Note: Only mandatory for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in clinical roles. Suitable for upskilling or refresher training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and Indigenous Health Workers | Mandatory or refresher or upskilling (see note) |
Workers authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine
View Workers authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine.
Definition: Worker authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine:
- is a worker authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine
- is a worker authorised to prepare the COVID-19 vaccine
- is a worker authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine
- is a pharmacy assistant
- is a medical laboratory scientist.
Part 1 – Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training modules
Logging in
The Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training package is available via iLearn, Queensland Health’s learning management system. The Learning Management System can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week remotely or via Queensland Health computers. The system is also accessible on multiple electronic devices.
To access iLearn:
Queensland Health staff
- Log on at https://ilearn.health.qld.gov.au/
- Username: Novell/computer/email username (e.g. bloggsf)
- Password: If you don't know your iLearn@QHealth password, click the 'Forgot your password' link to have your password automatically reset.
| Worker authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| QH – Module 1 – Introduction and vaccine communication | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2 – Storage and handling of vaccines: General information | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2A – Storage and handling of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing AstraZeneca vaccine) |
| QH – Module 2B – Storage and handling of the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine) |
| QH – Module 3 – Preparation of multi-dose vials: General information | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 3A – Preparation of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing AstraZeneca vaccine) |
| QH – Module 3B – Preparation of the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine) |
Part 2 - Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training requirements
Declared providers should confirm COVID-19 vaccination service workers have current knowledge and skill / competency in the below training requirements. This can be undertaken via self-assessment using the worker declaration checklist or through recognition of prior learning / prior course completion. COVID-19 vaccination workers should undertake upskilling or further training as required based on identified need.
| Worker authorised to prepare (receive, handle and/or prepare) COVID-19 vaccine | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Queensland COVID Vaccination Management Solution local user training Supporting resources: local information from Declared Provider | Mandatory |
| Culturally appropriate communication for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: iLearn module; Multicultural Clinical Support Resource folder | Recommended |
| National Privacy Principles or the Information Privacy Principles under the Queensland Information Privacy Act 2009 in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities under the Act. Supporting resources: Legislation | Mandatory |
| Infection prevention and control in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resource: QH Infection Prevention website | Mandatory |
| Manual Handling and Ergonomics in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements Supporting resources: Manual tasks and office ergonomics (QH device only); Health, safety and wellbeing (QH device only) ; Transferring a person from a chair to floor in a medical emergency | Mandatory |
Worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine
View Worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine definition.
Definition: Worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine:
- is a worker authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine
- is a worker authorised to prepare the COVID-19 vaccine
- is otherwise required by the declared provider to receive or handle COVID-19 vaccine for the purposes related to the preparing or administering of COVID-19 vaccines.
Part 1 – Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training modules
Logging in
The Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training package is available via iLearn, Queensland Health’s learning management system. The Learning Management System can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week remotely or via Queensland Health computers. The system is also accessible on multiple electronic devices.
To access iLearn:
Queensland Health staff
- Log on at https://ilearn.health.qld.gov.au/
- Username: Novell/computer/email username (e.g. bloggsf)
- Password: If you don't know your iLearn@QHealth password, click the 'Forgot your password' link to have your password automatically reset.
| Worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| QH – Module 1 – Introduction and vaccine communication | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2 – Storage and handling of vaccines: General information | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2A – Storage and handling of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing AstraZeneca vaccine) |
| QH – Module 2B – Storage and handling of the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine | Mandatory (if receiving, handling and preparing Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine) |
Part 2 - Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training requirements
Declared providers should confirm COVID-19 vaccination service workers have current knowledge and skill / competency in the below training requirements. This can be undertaken via self-assessment using the worker declaration checklist or through recognition of prior learning / prior course completion. COVID-19 vaccination workers should undertake upskilling or further training as required based on identified need.
| Worker authorised to receive and handle COVID-19 vaccine | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Queensland COVID Vaccination Management Solution local user training Supporting resources: local information from Declared Provider | Mandatory (as required by Declared Provider) |
| Culturally appropriate communication for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: iLearn module; Multicultural Clinical Support Resource folder | Recommended |
| National Privacy Principles or the Information Privacy Principles under the Queensland Information Privacy Act 2009 in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities under the Act. Supporting resources: Legislation | Mandatory |
| Infection prevention and control in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resource: QH Infection Prevention website | Mandatory |
| Manual Handling and Ergonomics in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements Supporting resources: Manual tasks and office ergonomics (QH device only); Health, safety and wellbeing (QH device only) ; Transferring a person from a chair to floor in a medical emergency | Mandatory |
Worker in the Health Contact Centre who has direct contact with clients
Definition: workers who are employed at the Health Contact Centre (HCC) and have direct contact with clients
Part 1 Queensland Health and Australian Government COVID-19 vaccination training modules
Health Contact Centre staff should complete the Queensland Health modules first before completing the Australian Government Additional modules for each vaccine.
Queensland Health module log in
The Queensland Health COVID-10 vaccination training package is available via iLearn, Queensland Health’s learning management system. The Learning Management System can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week remotely or via Queensland Health computers. The system is also accessible on multiple electronic devices.
To access iLearn:
- Log on at https://ilearn.health.qld.gov.au/
- Username: Novell/computer/email username (e.g. bloggsf)
- Password: If you don't know your iLearn@QHealth password, click the 'Forgot your password' link to have your password automatically reset.
Commonwealth module log in
The Australian Government training is available at Australian Government COVID-19 vaccination training modules.
Health Contact Centre staff should log into the Australian Government modules using the “[Restricted Access] State and Territory Workforce Only” log in category and record ”Other approved immunisation course” in the Approved Immunisation Program completed field. You will then be able to complete the additional modules without needing to complete Core modules 1 – 6.
| Worker in the Health Contact Centre who has direct contact with clients | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| QH – Module 1 – Introduction and vaccine communication | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2 – Storage and handling of vaccines: General information | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 2A – Storage and handling of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine | As required |
| QH – Module 2B – Storage and handling of the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) vaccine | As required |
| QH – Module 3 – Preparation of multi-dose vials: General information | Mandatory |
| QH – Module 3A – Preparation of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine | As required |
| QH – Module 3B – Preparation of the Pfizer/BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine | As required |
| Commonwealth COVID 19 training modules | |
| Additional Module 1 – Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine ^^ | Mandatory |
| Additional Module 2 -AstraZeneca vaccine ^^ | Mandatory |
^^ Ensure you have logged in correctly using the “[Restricted Access] State and Territory Workforce Only” or you will not be able to access these modules
Part 2 - Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training requirements
Declared providers should confirm COVID-19 vaccination service workers have current knowledge and skill / competency in the below training requirements. This can be undertaken via self-assessment using the worker declaration checklist or through recognition of prior learning / prior course completion. COVID-19 vaccination workers should undertake upskilling or further training as required based on identified need.
| Worker in the Health Contact Centre who has direct contact with clients | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Culturally appropriate communication for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: iLearn module; Multicultural Clinical Support Resource folder | Recommended |
| National Privacy Principles or the Information Privacy Principles under the Queensland Information Privacy Act 2009 in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities under the Act. Supporting resources: Legislation | Mandatory |
| Infection prevention and control in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resource: QH Infection Prevention website | Recommended |
| First Nations COVID -19 Vaccination Training Supporting resources: Online modules and face-to-face workshop |
Recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Triage nurses Not required for general triage nurses |
Worker providing clerical services in COVID-19 vaccination centres
Definition: workers providing clerical services in a COVID-19 Vaccination Centre.
Part 1 – Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training modules
Logging in
The Queensland Health COVID-19 vaccination training package is available via iLearn, Queensland Health’s learning management system. The Learning Management System can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week remotely or via Queensland Health computers. The system is also accessible on multiple electronic devices.
To access iLearn:
Queensland Health staff
- Log on at https://ilearn.health.qld.gov.au/
- Username: Novell/computer/email username (e.g. bloggsf)
- Password: If you don't know your iLearn@QHealth password, click the 'Forgot your password' link to have your password automatically reset.
| Worker providing clerical services in COVID-19 vaccination centres | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| QH – Module 1 – Introduction and vaccine communication | Mandatory |
Part 2 - Queensland COVID-19 vaccination training requirements
Declared providers should confirm COVID-19 vaccination service workers have current knowledge and skill / competency in the below training requirements. This can be undertaken via self-assessment using the worker declaration checklist or through recognition of prior learning / prior course completion. COVID-19 vaccination workers should undertake upskilling or further training as required based on identified need.
| Worker providing clerical services in COVID-19 vaccination centres | |
|---|---|
| Course | Requirement |
| Queensland COVID Vaccination Management Solution local user training Supporting resources: local information from Declared Provider | Mandatory |
| Australian Immunisation Register Training and access via PRODA Supporting resource: Guide for Hospital Hubs; Accessing AIR using PRODA individuals; Accessing AIR using PRODA organisations | As required by Declared Provider |
| Culturally appropriate communication for First Nations and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse populations in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resources: iLearn module; Multicultural Clinical Support Resource folder | Recommended |
| National Privacy Principles or the Information Privacy Principles under the Queensland Information Privacy Act 2009 in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. All staff should be aware of their responsibilities under the Act. Supporting resources: Legislation | Mandatory |
| Infection prevention and control in line with organisational mandatory and requisite training and procedural requirements. Supporting resource: QH Infection Prevention website | Mandatory |
