Primary Certificate of Immunisation & Vaccination

Explore appropriate vaccine strategies for children and adults (with application to patient cases), as well as the implications of the Covid-19 vaccine for GP practice.

Learn how to develop an immunisation schedule for travellers, including how to determine travellers’ individual risk to common illnesses.

It is perfect for practitioners with no to little training or as a refresher course in vaccinations.

This CPD-accredited course is for medical doctors and International Medical Graduates.

Study modes

100% online

Course fee

$445
Special rates available

Study duration

30 hrs
Self-paced

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.

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.

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.

Prof Melissa Martinez
MD

Professor Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico

Medical Director, UNM Health COVID Vaccines at the Pit

Vaccine Science Fellowship, American Academy of Family Physicians

Professor Melissa Martinez is Medical Director at UNM Health COVID Vaccines at the Pit; Medical Director at Locum Tenens and Speciality Extension Services, UNM Group; and Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of New Mexico.

Prof Martinez received Honorable Mention for the “Immunization Neighborhood Adult Immunization Champion Award” at the 2018 National Adult Immunization and Influenza Summit.

She very regularly presents at immunisation conferences and has published multiple research articles on the topic.

Dr Vaishali Bhalerao
MBBS, MD, DGO, FRANZCOG

Doctor, Royal Hobart Hospital

Beginning her medical career in Mumbai, India, Dr Vaishali Bhalerao has 22 years of knowledge and experience to impart. She completed her master's degree and went on to establish her own private practice, which she ran successfully for 15 years. During this period she also worked as Associate Professor in a state government hospital.

Before coming to Australia, Dr Bhalerao worked in one of the NHS hospital in the UK and since arriving in Australia in 2011 she has worked in various hospitals in Tasmania and Victoria including Mercy Werribee Hospital and Sunshine Hospital.

Dr Evangelia Francis
FRACGP, MBBS, BSci (Neuroscience), DCH, DRCOG

General practitioner

Dr Evangelia (Valia) Francis enjoys all aspects of General Practice but is especially interested in skin medicine, women's health and medicine of the elderly.

Originally from the coastal town of Kavala in Greece, Dr Francis is involved in teaching medical students as a Conjoint Lecturer in the Rural Medical School of Port Macquarie as well as teaching registrars. It is a very fulfilling aspect of her work that has been greatly inspired and supported by the senior educators at her practice.

When not at work, Dr Francis tries to fight waves with surf or paddle boards (so far they always win!), is training hard to become the next MasterChef winner, and enjoys reading books and learning new languages.

Primary Certificate of Immunisation & Vaccination

$445

100% online
Flexible start and completion time
CPD-accredited short course

ENROL NOW

Great course! it is very relevant to all practising GPs. Who knew that there is a pathologist "secret". Every GP should know this!

Dr M. Parashar

Highly satisfied. Real patients and cases enhance the learning experience. I will attend the advanced course.

Dr N. Kazi

Don't miss this course! It's interesting, practical and enjoyable. After attending courses for 30 years, I rank this as number one. The course is very useful to all doctors who diagnose and treat skin lesions. Top marks to the organisers.

Dr P. Laundy

Everything was very relevant and easy to understand. Certainly in a very different league to all the other courses I have attended.

Dr M. Kaur

I wish I had completed this course two years ago. My time in general practice so far has not enhanced my diagnostic or surgical skills and I have been scared about skin checks! I actually feel not only confident but empowered. A fantastic course! Thank you!

Dr A. Mooney

HealthCert courses have become the standard by which you gauge all others.

Dr K. Abolarinwa

Good courses with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge gained.

Dr A. Tucker

This is the pathway to improve your confidence and evolve into the GP you aspire to be.

Dr S. Shinwari

RACGP Activity Number	ACRRM Activity Number	Activity Title	Education Hours	Performance Hours	Outcome Hours	Total Hours
502648	31277	Immunity and Childhood Vaccination	502648	31277	4	6	0	10
502662	31279	Travel Health and Vaccination	502662	31279	4	6	0	10
502653	31278	Adult Vaccination Recommendations	502653	31278	4	6	0	10
					Grand Total	30

Entry requirements & recognised prior learning (RPL)

The Primary Certificate of Immunisation & Vaccination is for medical practitioners who wish to provide immunisations and vaccinations for adults and children with a focus on patient safety based on a step-wise approach.

This course is for physicians and degree-qualified health professionals. The course assumes no prior knowledge or training in the field. Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

Recognised prior learning (RPL)

Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Primary Certificate of Immunisation & Vaccination, and CPD hours.

This certificate course:

Is a self-submitted activity for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
Is a self-submitted activity for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses
endorsed by the RACGP. Points are calculated differently.
Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

What are the costs and payment options of the course?

Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

What is the Alumni Support Program?

Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.

How will I receive my certificate?

HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

How long will the course take to complete?

The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 30 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

Is this course recognised in my country?

All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.