COVID-19 immunisation

Training modules for all immunisation providers delivering COVID-19 vaccines in WA are available at immunisation education.

Immunisation providers approved to order COVID-19 vaccines can access a range of specific information about vaccine storage and handling requirements, how to manage patient bookings, what can and can't be charged, clinical advice, and patient resources at Advice for COVID-19 vaccine providers and administrators | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (external site).

All providers must report COVID-19 vaccine incidents including wastage via the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration System (CVAS) (external site).

In Australia, COVID-19 vaccines registered for use are required to undergo the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA’s) rigorous assessment and approval process to ensure compliance with our country’s strict standards on safety and effectiveness. The TGA releases a COVID-19 vaccine safety report (external site) with updated reporting on side effects and adverse events. Vaccine safety data is also published at AusVaxSafety (external site).

For COVID-19 clinical guidance, please refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook (external site). Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred; for ages in which a monovalent XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not approved, use a vaccine approved for that age group. This poster (external site) outlines the COVID-19 vaccine doses ATAGI recommended for each age and population group.

For detailed information see adverse events following immunisation in WA.

Healthcare providers should report:

• any significant (or rare and unexpected) AEFI in both children and adults
• any vaccine reaction that requires assessment by a doctor or nurse
• any vaccine reaction that has affected a family’s confidence in future immunisation.

You can report adverse events even if you are not sure whether the vaccine caused the event.

Health care providers and members of the public can report possible AEFI using the online portal at SAFEVAC-WAVSS (external site).