This module begins with a mandatory one-day workshop followed by directed study. There are two further consecutive mandatory workshops in month two then two further months of self-directed study. This course can be used as part of our Cert. HE Primary Care qualification.

Health Care Assistant

Teesside University 30 Credits Level 4

Influenza and Pneumococcal immunisation and Vitamin B12 injection for HCAs in Primary Care. This four-month module is designed for experienced primary health care assistants who have had a minimum of two years' experience as a health care assistant in primary care, and are employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week as a health care assistant within a primary care setting.  Students must have had their competance in the role of the health care assistant assessed at academic level 3 or above, and must have completed basic life support training within the previous 12 months.

The module will enable students to expand their role and gain new knowledge and skills in the administration of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and maintenance doses of hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B₁₂) in primary care.  The content covers national policy and schedules for seasonal 'flu' and pneumococcal vaccine and vitamin B₁₂, clinical issues in storage and administration and legal aspects regarding documentation.  On completion of the module the student will be able to administer these vaccinations and injections using Patient Specific Directives.
 
Prior to acceptance onto the module, students should identify a registered nurse mentor who will support them in the clinical environment.  The mentor will be sent a mentor guide detailing the requirements of the module and the responsibility they will have in signing off the student competencies.  The mentor must sign a declaration of support and a willingness to sign the competencies before the module starts.  The Training Centre will provide support to the mentors via phone or email throughout the module.

As part of the assessment involves writing an essay, it is important that students have a good ability to write clearly in English. You must be able to complete the Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Tools at the Skills for Health website.

• Describe the principles and practice of the seasonal and pandemic influenza and pneumococcal immunisation programme.
• Demonstrate understanding of the principles of administering hydroxocobalamin maintenance doses.
• Identify and explain safe handling and storage of the stated vaccines.
• Identify and explain the legal aspects of immunisation and use of patient-specific directions.
• Recognise the boundaries of the role of the health care assistant in administering immunisations/injections.
• Act under direction to support the patient receiving seasonal influenza and pneumococcal immunisation and hydroxocobalamin injection.
• Perform safe administration of the stated immunisations and injection to the practice population under patient-specific directions and in line with the practice protocol.
• Gather and record accurate documentation in relation to the stated immunisations/injection.   
• Identify own personal learning needs.

• Aims of immunisation
• The immune system and how it works
• Storage and handling of vaccines
• Consent
• Communication
• Patient group versus patient-specific directives
• HCA boundaries when giving vaccinations
• Documentation and record keeping
• Infection control
• Vitamin B12 deficiency 
• Intra-muscular injection technique
• Management of adverse events.
• Anaphylaxis
• National Guidelines and vaccination policy
• Introduction to academic study skills 
• Reflective learning

Students will complete a competency booklet within the clinical setting, which the registered nurse mentor signs to verify competence.  The competencies are drawn from the National Occupational Standards Competency CHS3.

Students are required to demonstrate learning pertinent to safe administration of immunisations and vitamin B12 injections, by submitting a written summary (maximum 3000 words) that addresses a number of questions which expands on activities undertaken in the workbook and their practice of immunisation and injections undertaken in the clinical environment. Examples include; examining the practice population and assessing patient numbers for targeted immunisation, reviewing the safe handling of injectables including sharps disposal, using Patient Specific Directions, record keeping, infection control, awareness of adverse side effects and events.