Changes to vaccination training requirements from 2022/23

From this flu vaccination season, pharmacists and other vaccinators providing the Service will now only need to attend face-to-face training for injection technique and basic life support training periodically.

You will now need to consider when it is appropriate to attend refresher training or if ongoing competence can be evidenced, without the need for face-to-face training.

An individual’s continued competence may be influenced by their prior experience vaccinating patients, including the overall number of vaccines administered and the regularity with which they administer vaccines.

Annual update training

Vaccinators are still expected to undertake annual self-directed training, to ensure their knowledge is up to date with changes in practice and guidance. This may include using relevant references sources, such as the Service Specification, PGD, or Green Book. It may also include online training which is available from a range of providers including e-LfH for bite-size modules:

• www.e-lfh.org.uk/

New alternative option to complete Declaration of Competence (DoC)

The Flu vaccinator competency assessment tool, developed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA), can now be used for all vaccinators. It can be used as a self-assessment tool or as an assessment tool for use with a supervisor.

Registered Pharmacy Professionals can also still use the Declaration of Competence on CPPE.

Evidence of competence going forward

The National Minimum Standards and Core Curriculum for Immunisation Training for Registered Healthcare Practitioners recommend that vaccinators should keep a portfolio of completed competency checklists, knowledge test score sheets, reflective logs, completion of e-learning course certificates and certificates of attendance at immunisation training courses and updates. This will be a way to show evidence of competence to both current and future employers.