COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Childhood vaccination
This module commences with an overview of vaccines focusing on active (natural or acquired) immunisation and includes passive immunisation. Vaccines contain antigens which stimulate an active immune response and mimics the host’s response to natural infection. Legal standards on testing, manufacture and vaccine production are mentioned. Vaccine components and the various types of antigens and how they work are outlined. The vaccine administration is discussed together with safety, efficacy, effectiveness, vaccine failure, adverse events and contraindications and includes recommendations for age and condition appropriate vaccines for children. Vaccines for BCG, Hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, diptheria, pertussis, tetanus, haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal, rotavirus, MMR, varicella, meningococcal disease, HPV and influenza are discussed including dosage rates, delivery mode, contraindications and adverse effects. The module concludes with the principles for catch-up vaccinations.
Module 2: Adult vaccination
This module focusses on commonly recommended vaccines for adults including influenza, pertussis tetanus, diptheria, pneumococcal, varicella/shingles and Covid 19. Special circumstance vaccines discussed includes Hepatitis A & B, HPV, meningococcal, catch-up on childhood and travel. The various composition types of influenza vaccine are discussed including higher dose or adjuvanted for adults over 65. Pneumococcal symptoms are listed together with the different types of vaccines including the conjugated vaccines. Clinical trials, graphs and statistics are provided.
The various composition types for the shingles vaccine are explained including the varicella, HSV subunit and attenuated vaccines. Age guides for administration are discussed across different countries. The module then moves to tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines (often combined into one shot), and information on the formulation of these vaccines. Vaccines during pregnancy are discussed. Hepatitis A, B, HPV and meningococcal vaccines are discussed in detail including appropriate dosing and considers patients who are immunocompromised and/or high risk.
The module concludes with discussion on the Covid 19 virus and the current vaccines - either inactivated or fractionated vaccines. mRNA and vector-based vaccines are discussed. Side effect symptoms, adverse effects and the future for Covid-19 vaccines are discussed.
Module 3: Travel immunisation schedules
This module begins with emphasising that individual risk assessment is the key when determining travel vaccine requirements including the purpose of travel and intended activities. Information including past medical and vaccine history and personal details is required. Routine childhood and adult vaccinations, required vaccinations for specific countries and recommended vaccinations are detailed. Unit two focusses on yellow fever, meningococcal disease and poliomyelitis. Unit three focusses on cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis A and who should get immunised. Unit four focusses on Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningococcus and tuberculosis and includes risk and prevention factors, delivery mode and recommended vaccinations. The module concludes with an overview of malaria, prophylaxis, mosquito bite prevention and vaccine options and administration guides.