Do I need to be authorised or endorsed to work as a Nurse Immuniser in Victoria?
From 1 July 2010 there is no endorsement category for Nurse Immunisers under the national health practitioner registration scheme. In Victoria, the possession and administration of vaccines by registered nurses is regulated by the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 and Regulations 2006. Any Registered Nurse, Registered Midwives or Enrolled Nurse (Division 2) nurse (who does not have a notation) can administer a drug in accordance with an order for that client from a medical officer or Nurse Practitioner. This includes vaccines. However if Registered Nurses are to work as Nurse Immunisers such as in Municipal council operated immunisation clinics where Drs are not present they can operate under a Secretary’s order. Interim Approvals have been put in place in Victoria until 31 December 2010.
