Immunisation and Injection training for HCAs and Pharmacy Techs (Flu, Pneumococcal and B12)

This 2-day course is an opportunity for experienced HCSWs who are new to immunisations to learn the theory and practice of adult flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccination and B12 injections.

Please be aware to be eligible for this training delegates MUST be level 3 qualified with a minimum of 2 years’ experience as an HCSW.

This course is aimed at those new to immunising and meets the UKHSA National Minimum Standards for Immunisation Training and Core Curriculum for Vaccination Training (2025) and will be delivered through one full day webinar and one full day face to face session.

Delegates are required to attend both days of the course and MUST complete precourse e-learning. There is around 7 hours of pre-course work which will be emailed to delegates at least 4 weeks prior to the course.
Following completion of the course delegates will need to complete supervised practice and assessment of competence within their own workplace. Delegates should attend ANNUAL updates to meet UKHSA National Minimum Standards.

Course Content

• Aims of current influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccine policy
• The immune response to influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines and how they work
• Vaccine preventable diseases – influenza, pneumococcal and shingles disease
• The causes, management and treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency
• The different types of vaccines, their composition and the indications and contraindications for influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines and B12 injections
• Current issues relating to influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines
• Communication with patients about influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines and B12 injections
• Legal aspects of prescription drugs including consent and use of Patient Specific Directions (PSDs)
• Storage and handling of vaccines and other POMs
• Correct administration of vaccines and B12 injections via the intramuscular route
• Anaphylaxis and adverse reactions
• Documentation, record keeping and reporting
• Strategies for the effective organisation of vaccination sessions
• The role of the HCSW as an immuniser (to include role limitations, the role of others in immunisation)
• Support for the HCSW e.g. supervision, mentorship and reflection

All delegates will participate in a skills workshop (on the second day) to learn the necessary skills to perform safe injection technique.

This programme is based on the UKHSA National Minimum Standards for Immunisation Training and Core Curriculum for Vaccination Training (2025), guidance of professional bodies and the Department of Health ‘Immunisation against Infectious Disease’ 2006 (‘Green Book’) online and UKHSA update letters.

How to book

• Express Interest by 2nd June
• You will be sent a form within 2 weeks for your manager to complete regarding your experience and the level that you are working to.
• Forms will then be assessed and you will receive an e-mail to say whether your application has been accepted and you have been booked onto the course.

Please note that your name and email address will be passed to the supplier so that they can send you joining instructions and any feedback surveys.

Bring a packed lunch to the face to face practical day !