• About RCH CPG's
• Guideline index
• Mailing lists
• Feedback

Opportunistic Immunisation Guideline

Children who are due or overdue for their immunisations can be safely and effectively immunised during their hospital stay or at the time of an outpatient presentation.

• Background
• How should we do it?
• Where should we do it?
• Immunisation procedure

Background

• 8-10% of Australian infants, and up to 15% of older children are not up-to-date with their immunisations
• All vaccines can be safely given while an inpatient.

How should we do it?

• All children presenting to the hospital should have an immunisation history taken.
  • If parents are unsure about previous immunisations check the child’s Personal Health Record (blue book) or contact the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) on 1800 653 809 (NB parent’s consent and child’s Medicare number are required for this)
• Children who are not up-to-date should be offered the appropriate vaccines while still in hospital.
• True contraindications to immunisations are very rare, and can be discussed with a nurse from the Immunisation Service.
• See Catch-up immunisation for information on planning a catch-up schedule

Where should we do it?

In the Emergency Department

• All vaccines on the schedule are available in the after hours drug room (in the fridge)
• Immunisations and their batch numbers should be documented on Treatment orders sheet.

In Outpatients

• Children can be immunized in the Immunisation Drop-in Centre located on the first floor near the blue lifts during working hours - Monday to Friday 0900-1700
• Contact the Immunisation nurses on ext 6599 or page 4330 (intranet only)

On the Wards

• All vaccines can be obtained from pharmacy
• Immunisations and their batch numbers should be documented on standard Drug charts

Immunisation Procedure

For Immunisations on the Schedule

1. Assess for contraindications run through Pre-immunisation checklist
2. Obtain consent from parents (print out parent information sheets if desired)
3. Write vaccine on drug chart or emergency treatment orders
4. Obtain vaccine (see above)
5. Administer vaccine
6. Complete child’s yellow book, or give parents a letter with names and batches of vaccines given
7. Complete notification form to ACIR
   • Hospital notification form (complete for all immunisations given in the hospital and forward to the immunisation service) information will be forwarded to ACIR. NB notification form is provided with immunisations which are supplied by the pharmacy.
   • Australian Childhood Immunisation Registry (ACIR) form (for immunisations provided outside the hospital)
   • NB if outside the hospital, and ACIR forms are not available print off a copy of the hospital notification form, and fax or post to ACIR (FAX 08 9214 8163)

Vaccines not on the schedule

1. Is child eligible for hospital to fund vaccine? Discuss with consultant and /or Immunisation Service.
2. If so obtain DUC (drug usage committee) approval
   1. DUC form (intranet only)
      • Department funded Vaccines
   2. Form checked by immunisation service. Contact the Immunisation nurses on ext 6599 or page 4330. (intranet only)
   3. Immunisation provided as above
3. If child is not eligible, and parents wish to purchase vaccine these can be obtained via the immunisation centre. Contact the Immunisation nurses on ext 6599 or page 4330. (intranet only)