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PRIMARY CERTIFICATE

Immunisation & Vaccination

Gain an understanding of the use of vaccines to induce immunity in children, adults, travellers, and against Covid-19.

Doctor injecting a vaccine into a patient

Overview

This course will enable you to safely provide immunisations and vaccinations in your practice, built on an evidence-based strategy to improve patient outcomes, and centred on a step-wise approach focusing on vaccine effectiveness, limitations, and side effects.

  • 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

$495
Special rates available

Study duration

30 hrs
Self-paced

Course benefits

  • Provide age- and condition-appropriate vaccines to protect children against life-threatening diseases.
  • Safeguard adults from preventable illnesses such as influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19.
  • Address the unique needs of immunocompromised or high-risk patients with special vaccines, like Hepatitis A & B, HPV, and meningococcal.
  • Conduct risk assessments and assist patients with vaccinations for travel.

Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

Course contents

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.

Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a full year at the time-limited price of $795 (saving $200)!* 

Meet your instructors

 Melissa Martinez _Circle
 
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 circle transp
 
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 circle transp
 
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.

Study modes

Study 100% online

100% online

Study at your own pace and to your own schedule. 

  • View and replay video lectures at your convenience.
  • Participate in online case discussions with your peers.
  • Participate in a course webinar prior to the examinations and ask questions.
  • Complete your assessment online and receive your CPD hours and certificate.
HealthCert 365 - a digital CPD library

HealthCert 365

Easily meet your CPD requirements and gain valuable skills – all in one place for $83 per month. 

  • Customise your learning experience by accessing and focusing only on course modules that interest you the most.
  • Gain access to 200+ additional CPD activities and 50-hour special focus CPD programs, sourced from all HealthCert university-assured programs.

Primary Certificate of Immunisation & Vaccination

$495 

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

Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

Example of the Primary Certificate of Immunisation and Vaccination

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

Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
502648 31277 Immunity and Childhood Vaccination 502648 31277 4 6 0
502662 31279 Travel Health and Vaccination 502662 31279 4 6 0
502653 31278 Adult Vaccination Recommendations 502653 31278 4 6 0
Total hours 12 18 0

View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities.

 

Outcome measurement

HealthCert Education provides a variety of Outcome Measurement activities to suit your needs. Please contact an Education Advisor for more information.

 

Pre- and post-course information

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.

 

University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

HCE homepage logo _ RACGP Major Provider _ transp
ACRRM logo 2023-2025

Frequently asked questions

Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

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.

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Our Education Advisors can assist you with any queries and tailor our education pathway to suit your current expertise, interests and career goals.

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