About COVID-19 vaccination training
From January 2021 to September 2023, we partnered with the Australian College of Nursing to develop and deliver the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program (CVTP).
We decommissioned the CVTP on 30 September 2023. It is no longer a mandatory requirement for participating in the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program.
Ongoing requirements for COVID-19 immunisers
All COVID-19 vaccination providers must have authority to vaccinate in their state or territory.
As a provider, you must have completed the required immunisation training for your profession. If you previously completed the CVTP, this does not qualify you as an authorised immunisation provider.
All primary care providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccine Program must continue to either:
- hold a valid accreditation (or be undergoing accreditation) through the National General Practice Accreditation Scheme
- administer vaccines as part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- be approved to dispense pharmaceutical benefits as part of the PBS defined in Section 90 of the National Health Act 1953 (Cwlth) (Section 90 Pharmacy)
- hold a valid accreditation with Quality Care Pharmacy Program (QCPP) (Community Pharmacies only).
Staying up to date
Please contact your state or territory immunisation health service for more information.
See further resources for COVID-19 vaccines:
- COVID-19 Vaccine Reference Guide
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training Program
- Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) advice
- Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA):
- State and territory immunisation contacts.
What was the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program?
Before 1 October 2023, the CVTP was mandatory for all COVID-19 vaccination providers. This included:
- hospitals
- general practices
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- pharmacies.
The CVTP included core and additional modules which were delivered through an online platform. Core modules covered general training for COVID-19 vaccination and the additional modules explained about individual vaccines. Users downloaded their certificates after completing each module.
The CVTP was accredited by Health Education Services Australia (HESA).
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) set up a Course Expert Advisory Group including peak body representatives and professional colleges to develop, review and finalise the training modules.
From 1 October 2023, each state and territory became responsible for managing ongoing COVID-19 vaccination competencies.
We keep records of anyone who enrolled in or completed the CVTP in line with the Privacy Act 1988. When required, we may release completion data to local governments and consistent with the conditions of enrolment in the CVTP, for compliance and quality assurance purposes.