Media Release
Western Victoria PHN (WVPHN) has invested over $20,000 of Commonwealth funding to sponsor 60 nurses in the region to become Nurse Immunisers to assist with the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out.
75 to 100 per cent of the accredited ‘Immunisation Endorsement Pathway’ course costs (valued at $567) are covered by the sponsorship, with the course run by Melbourne-based registered training organisation, The Benchmarque Group.
Upon completion of this course, registered nurses and midwives will be qualified to administer vaccinations in Victoria, independent of a medical officer such as a general practitioner (GP). Endorsed enrolled nurses will be qualified to administer vaccinations under the supervision of a medical officer.
WVPHN CEO Rowena Clift said with International Nurses Day taking place on 12 May, this funding recognises the key role nurses and the primary care sector have to play in combating this pandemic.
“Supporting our region’s nurses, especially in regional and rural areas, is a major focus for WVPHN, especially during this pandemic,” Ms Clift said. “We really wanted to ensure the community can receive the COVID-19 vaccine as rapidly as possible. Empowering our nurse workforce to use their experience and knowledge to assist general practices in administering the vaccine means more vaccine to more people.”
The scholarships were awarded to nurses working in primary care and nurses working in Aboriginal-Controlled Community Health Organisations (ACCHO) in the western Victoria region via an Expression of Interest process and were equitably distributed across western Victoria based on need and demand of the community.
Registered Nurse Aliesa Abrahamson at Hamilton Medical Group said she is very thankful to for the opportunity to complete the certificate through the sponsorship.
“I have enjoyed doing the course and feel that it has helped prepare me for helping with the safe provision of immunisations and vaccinations to my community,” Ms Abrahamson said. “I’m lucky to work in a supportive practice that supports our further education and some amazing nurses and doctors.”
“We will continue to help develop the knowledge, capabilities and skills of people working in western Victoria’s primary health care sector to deliver better health outcomes for the community,” Ms Clift said.
COVID-19 vaccinations are now available to anyone over 50. Appointments can be booked at:
- Bellarine Respiratory Clinic (Ocean Grove) – bellarinerespiratoryclinic.com.au/covid-19-vaccinations
- Geelong Respiratory Clinic (Geelong) – Vaccination Clinic – book via kardiniahealth.com.au
- Great South Coast Vaccination Clinic (Warrnambool) – book via HotDoc
- UFS Covid Vaccination Clinic (Ballarat) – book via HotDoc
- Horsham & Wimmera Vaccination Clinic (Horsham) – book via HotDoc