Immunisation program

The following information provides health professionals with current immunisation information, updates and resources and links to vaccination education courses.

Nurses, Midwives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners can legally administer a vaccine without a doctor’s order or prescription where it is in line with a Scheduled Substance Treatment Protocol.

The primary SSTP in place for public health vaccination is the Immunisation Scheduled Substance Treatment Protocol (SSTP) for Nurses, Midwives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners PDF (189.9 KB).

This protocol enables the Australian Immunisation Handbook recommended vaccinations for certain groups and applies to vaccines provided under funded programs (eg National Immunisation Program) as well as privately funded vaccines.

Additional SSTP’s are in place for some diseases not currently included in the Immunisation Handbook.

These are listed on the Medicines and Poisons notices and currently include:

  • Monkey Pox
  • Japanese Encephalitis

Information for pharmacists regarding vaccination is provided on the Pharmacist vaccinations.

Vaccine supply and management framework

This framework applies to all Vaccine Service Providers receiving vaccines from Northern Territory (NT) Health for the purpose of vaccination within the NT.

The immunisation schedules provide information on current National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccination advice for children, adolescents and adults.

Download the current schedule using the links below.

Save the schedules to your desktop for access to quick links for further information. Replace all immunisation schedules when they are updated.

Access the Australian Immunisation Handbook for current vaccine advice.

Access the latest information and resources on Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination here.

2024 Influenza vaccine information

2024 COVID-19 vaccine information

Immunisation updates include the latest information on vaccines and schedules for vaccine providers.

Vaccine wastage form online

Use this form to report all vaccine wastage.

In the event of vaccine wastage due to a Cold Chain Breach, do not discard the vaccines until advised by CDC. Call the Immunisation Program on 08 8922 8315 during business hours to report a Cold Chain Breach.

Adverse event following immunisation form

Adverse events following immunisation refers to any untoward medical occurrence that follows immunisation, whether it is expected or unexpected and regardless of whether it is triggered by the vaccine or coincidentally occurs following its administration.

Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for specific definitions and advice on adverse events following immunisation (AEFI’s) or call the Immunisation Program on 08 8922 8315 during business hours.

To report an AEFI on line or to access a hard copy, fill in these forms:

Rabies/Lyssavirus post-exposure prophylaxis form

Use this form for all cases requiring rabies/lyssavirus post-exposure prophylaxis.

This includes giving rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) and/or rabies vaccine.

Email completed form to ImmunisationProgram.TEHS@nt.gov.au.

Vaccine order form

Use this form when ordering all NIP vaccines for your clinic.

In the event of vaccine wastage due to a Cold Chain Breach, do not discard the vaccines until advised by CDC. Call the Immunisation Program on 08 8922 8315 during business hours to report a Cold Chain Breach.

Vaccination recording form

If you are a vaccine provider and do not currently record immunisations electronically, complete this form for people of any age who have received a vaccination.

Email the completed form to ImmunisationUnit.THS@nt.gov.au or fax the form to NT Immunisation on 08 8922 8897.

Correct vaccine storage and handling is fundamental to effective immunisation programs.

This section contains information for vaccine providers on correct vaccine storage, maintaining vaccines at the recommended temperature range of +2°C and +8°C and what to do in the event of a cold chain breach.

For further information regarding vaccine storage refer to the Australian Government's national vaccine storage guidelines 'Strive for 5'.

A comprehensive guide to assist NT vaccine service providers, health care professionals and administration staff in the safe management of vaccines

Check and record the vaccine fridge temperature (minimum, maximum and current temperature) twice daily, before the refrigerator is used for the first time and at the end of each day.

Temperature chart for mobile or outreach immunisation clinics or emergency storage of vaccines.

Links to resources

Vaccine administration

Anaphylaxis

Vaccines for Health, Age, Lifestyle and Occupation

Vaccines for specific diseases

HESA accredited vaccine courses

To administer vaccines without the order of a medical practitioner in the Northern Territory, nurses, midwives and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners are required to have completed a Health Education Services Australia (HESA) approved vaccine course.

Access HESA approved courses, go to the Health Education Services Australia website.

Maintaining competency

All nurses, midwives and ATSIHP must maintain ongoing professional competency in the delivery of vaccines. This can include formal education modules, seminars, self-directed learning and peer-peer training. Clinicians should be guided by their national board’s guidance on CPD.

One option to maintain competency is that all vaccine providers complete the free About Giving Vaccines Upskill course annually.

To register and complete the course annually, go to the NT Remote Locum Program elearning website.

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