1.4 Administration of vaccines

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.


Standard occupational health and safety guidelines should always be followed during a vaccination encounter to minimise the risk of needle-stick injury.¹

Gloves are not routinely recommended for immunisation service providers. Work practices should include the use of standard precautions to minimise exposure to blood and body fluids. If exposure does occur, guidelines for post-exposure prophylaxis should be followed (refer to Chapters 23 and 24 of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Infection control guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting).¹

A new, sterile, disposable syringe and needle must be used for each injection. Disposable needles and syringes must be discarded into a clearly labelled, puncture-proof, spill-proof container that meets Australian standards in order to prevent needle-stick injury or re-use.¹ Always keep sharps containers out of the reach of children. All immunisation service providers should be familiar with the handling and disposal of sharps according to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Infection control guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting, Chapters 14 and 23.¹

References