COVID-19 Vaccinator role guidance FINAL

Current as at 14 June 2021

COVID-19 Vaccinator – Role guidance About the role The COVID-19 vaccinator will work as part of a team that will deliver a safe and effective service for the mass delivery of COVID-19 vaccine. The incumbent will be responsible for administering the vaccine to health consumers within a wider clinical vaccination team, at a dedicated vaccination site and under the direction and supervision of a qualified, registered healthcare professional. The supervising health professional will ideally have 2 years’ experience in immunisation and vaccination healthcare delivery or equivalent recent healthcare experience.

The COVID-19 Vaccinator will be responsible for: Safe administration of the COVID-19 vaccine as per IMAC guidelines and local standard operating procedures Answering basic questions about the COVID-19 vaccine Escalating queries or concerns outside own area of competence to a registered healthcare professional/supervisor including any adverse reactions post vaccination Adhering to infection control practices and guidelines Working within their designated role and responsibilities Culturally competent practice.

Duties/Responsibilities General / Role Specific Undertake both routine and specially identified tasks for which the post holder has been trained and assessed as competent Inspect that the vaccine is of normal appearance, checks the correct volume, correct size (length and gauge) needle and dilution time Confirm the identity of the client, check they are happy to proceed with vaccination. Address any additional questions or refer to the registered health care professional as appropriate.

Ensure health consumer comfort and privacy is maintained throughout the process Communicate expected side effects following vaccination and who to contact if experiences any adverse reactions Ensure the health consumer is aware of the 20-minute post vaccination observation time.

Administer the vaccine in accordance with the IMAC training, local standard operating procedures and Ministry of Health operating guidelines and programme standards Immediately observe client’s reaction and where appropriate, direct people to the registered healthcare professional or post vaccination observation area Assist with the management of any complications or emergency situations such as fainting, hyperventilation or anaphylaxis under the direction and supervision of a registered health professional or supervisor Can ensure safe disposal of clinical and non-clinical waste in accordance with local policy and processes Reassure patient following vaccination and provides post-vaccination advice with details of who to contact if any side effects or adverse reactions are experienced Accurately documents required vaccine administration details

Current as at 14 June 2021 Respond to queries appropriately and liaises with the health care professional supervisor where necessary to gain further advice or information.

Responsibilities for Consumer Care Safe administration of the vaccine to already consented and assessed consumers Complete check list indicating patient readiness for vaccination Address any concerns and ensures consent and clinical assessment has already taken place Check vaccine before administration and reports or escalates any concerns Safe handling and disposal of syringes and sharps as per the clinical waste policy Take responsibility for the safe administration of the vaccine The COVID-19 Vaccinator will not be involved in the drawing up of the vaccine, consumer consent or the clinical assessment carried out prior to administration Alongside a registered health professional, will observe consumers who have received the vaccine in the post vaccination area.

Responsibilities for Human Resources (including training) Follow relevant policies and standard operation guidelines in relation to the vaccination programme Undertake mandatory and clinical training and any other training relevant to the role as required, including future training to assess continued competency and quality assurance Participate in relevant emergency preparedness process Able to demonstrate practice is maintained and up to date to ensure competency Is responsible for ensuring they work within the limits of their competence while performing the tasks for which they have been employed Escalate queries or problems outside own area of competence to registered healthcare professionals/clinical supervisor Work with the organisations code of conduct and professional standards.

Responsibilities for Information Technology Resources (including systems access) Effectively use IT support systems to enhance direct and indirect care delivery including the COVID-19 Immunisation Register (CIR).

Ensure documentation is timely and accurate and aligns with the Health Information Privacy Code 2020 Report and record health consumer adverse events according to local protocol under the direction of the Registered health care professional Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the health information according to the Privacy Act 2020.

Person specifications Essential: Completed or willing to complete specific COVID-19 vaccination training and competency assessment, (administered by an assessor with the same qualifications as for other vaccination assessments, i.e. Fully authorised vaccinator with at least two years’ experience) Completed or willing to complete relevant CPR and anaphylaxis training

Current as at 14 June 2021 Completed or willing to complete relevant core learning such as Te Tiriti o Waitangi, working with disabled people and the Health Information Privacy Code A commitment to cultural safety and equity Experience working within a healthcare setting (current or historical) Ability to work well in a team environment Indemnity insurance – either provided through self or employer.

Desired: Fluency in other languages.