1.2 An overview of vaccination – preface to Chapters 1.3–1.5

PDF printable version of 1.2 An overview of vaccination – preface to Chapters 1.3–1.5 (PDF 69 KB)


Please note: due to continuous updates being made to the Immunisation Handbook, the page number on the electronic version will not always match the hard copy version.


The following sections of Part 1 (Chapters 1.3–1.5) describe chronologically the steps involved around a vaccination encounter, starting with pre-vaccination requirements (Chapter 1.3), then administration of vaccines (Chapter 1.4) and post-vaccination considerations (Chapter 1.5).

Chapter 1.3 describes the steps required in preparing for a vaccination encounter. This includes preparation of an anaphylaxis response kit and effective cold chain management (transport, storage and handling of vaccines) as described in National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5. The next section discusses obtaining valid consent and is followed by information on comprehensive pre-vaccination health screening, including a standard screening checklist and summary tables of precautions and contraindications to vaccination. The chapter ends with a section on how to manage catch-up vaccination. The section is divided into two categories; the first for children <8 years of age and the second for people ≥8 years of age.

Chapter 1.4 provides detailed sections on the administration of vaccines. This chapter discusses occupational health and safety issues and the equipment required for vaccination. Techniques for vaccine administration, including the route and site of vaccine administration, positioning, identifying the vaccination site, and methods for administering multiple vaccine injections at the same visit are described in detail.

Chapter 1.5 provides readers with information on post-vaccination care, including immediate after-care and the recognition and management of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI), including anaphylaxis. There are also sections on how to report AEFI, documentation of vaccination, and details about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. A summary of the key points discussed in these chapters is provided in the table in Appendix 10, Summary table – procedures for a vaccination encounter. This is suitable for photocopying for training and auditing purposes.