This course covers the Expanded Programme on Immunisations (EPI) for Health Care Workers in the Western Cape Department of Health. It is a refresher course aimed at providers already authorised to give immunisations.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take you 3 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course:
    • Professional nurses (general and specialty, including CNPs and midwives)
    • Enrolled nurses
    • Medical officers

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Accreditation: WCDHW Nursing Accredited for 3 CPD points in Area of Practice.

  • Published: October 2023

Course curriculum

The following content is covered in this course:

Chapter 1: Routine EPI Schedule 

  • The routine immunisation schedule and general information on each vaccine


Chapter 2: Catch-up schedule and immunisation in special circumstances

  • BCG; Rotavirus; DTaP-IPV-Hib-HBV; PCV; Measles vaccine; Td vaccine  
  • The catch-up schedule for routine immunisations
  • Immunisations in special circumstances


Chapter 3: Notifiable Medical Conditions

  • Why it is important to notify
  • Who should notify
  • When and how to notify
  • Modes of transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of NMCs preventable by vaccines in the EPI schedule
    • Tuberculosis
    • Poliomyelitis
    • Diphtheria
    • Tetanus
    • Pertussis
    • Haemophilus influenza type B
    • Hepatitis B
    • Measles


Chapter 4: Cold chain management

  • Vaccine movement between facilities
  • Cold storage options
  • Temperature monitoring
  • Cold chain emergency back-up plans


Chapter 5: Preparing for an immunisation session

  • How to set up an immunisation room
    • Emergency kit
    • Routine equipment 
  • Infection prevention and control
    • Hand hygiene
    • Personal protective equipment
    • Prevention and management of needlestick injuries


Chapter 6: The immunisation consultation

  • PACK Child 2023
  • Birth-to-two wheel
  • How you can use them together to see what needs to be checked routinely at each immunisation session
  • What must be shared with the carer in order to obtain informed consent for immunisation,
  • Needle safety practices,
  • How to manage a sharps injury.
  • Vaccine administration:
    • Reconstitution of powdered vaccines,
    • Measuring the correct dose,
    • Administration techniques for IM, subcutaneous, ID and oral vaccines
  • Follow-up instructions


Chapter 7: Post-immunisation

  • Routine post-immunisation observation
  • Mild and minor reactions
  • Serious adverse events
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Fainting
  • How to report adverse events
    • Adverse Event of Special Interest (AESI) form
    • Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) form
  • Other reporting platforms


Chapter 8: Documentation of immunisations

  • Recording the vaccine in the Road To Health Booklet and on the child integrated clinical stationary
  • The immunisation tally sheet
  • Capturing electronic dataChapter 9: Immunisations for adults
  • Immunisations recommended for adults in special populations: influenza, COVID, tetanus and rabies
  • Immunisations recommended for healthcare workers


Chapter 9: Immunisations for adults

  • Immunisations recommended for adults in special populations: influenza, COVID, tetanus and rabies
  • Immunisations recommended for healthcare workers


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • Knowledge Translation Unit