1.5 Post-vaccination procedures

Please note: due to continuous updates being made to the Immunisation Handbook, the page number on the electronic version will not always match the hard copy version.

• Dispose of clinical waste, including sharps and vaccine vials, immediately after administration of the vaccine and at its point of use. Refer to the State/Territory health authority for management guidelines for the safe disposal of clinical waste or refer to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing Infection control guidelines for the prevention of transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting.¹
• Cover the site quickly with a dry cotton ball and tape as needed.
• Gently apply pressure for 1 or 2 minutes. Do not rub the site as this will encourage the vaccine to leak back up the needle track, which can cause pain and may lead to local irritation.
• Remove the cotton wool after a few minutes and leave the injection site exposed to the air.
• Paracetamol is not routinely used before or at the time of vaccination, but may be recommended as required for fever or pain.
• To distract the individual and reduce distress, immediately change the position of the child/person after completing the vaccination, eg. ask the parent/carer to put the infant over the shoulder and move around with the infant.²
• The vaccinated person and/or parent/carer should be advised to remain in a nearby area for a minimum of 15 minutes after the vaccination. The area should be close enough to the immunisation service provider, so that the individual can be observed and medical treatment rapidly provided if needed.
• Take the opportunity to check the vaccination status of other family members (as appropriate) and provide (or refer) for catch-up vaccination.
• Record the relevant details of the vaccines given in a record to be retained by the person or parent/carer, in the surgery/clinic record and, for children aged <7 years, forward records to the ACIR (see Section 1.5.3, Documentation of vaccination).
• Before departure, inform the individual or parent/carer, preferably in writing, of the date of the next scheduled vaccinations.

References