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Changes to Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy

The Nova Scotia Health Immunization Policy and NSH/IWK Immunization Administration Care Directive have recently undergone comprehensive reviews by Public Health, Interprofessional Practice and Learning, Policy Office, Pharmacy, Pathology, Laboratory Services and Occupational Health Safety and Wellness. The review has prompted several updates and clarifications, which have been made and further reviewed by interested parties throughout the organization. These changes are minor and will not significantly change immunization practice.

Please share the following changes with your teams:

Immunization Policy Changes

Changes in applicability

  • Removed Unregulated Health Care Providers.
  • Included Registered Pharmacy Techs and Pharmacy Interns.
  • Included LPN Learners in their final clinical practicum.

Clarification that pre-drawing is still not permitted

Safety incident reporting

  • Staff should report all adverse events following immunization (AEFI) as per policy and submit a patient safety incident report as necessary.
  • There is no longer a COVID-19-specific AEFI.
  • Reference reading: Patient Safety Incident Management Policy

Other revisions

  • Added direction to NSH Anaphylaxis Care Directive to mitigate gaps in NS Immunization Manual.
  • Linked to Dynamic Health consent skill and NSH Consent Policy.
  • Updated Occupational Health Safety and Wellness direction.
  • Updated/clarified direction for competency.
  • Clarified product storage requirements.
  • Clarified documentation requirements for Public Health.
  • Removed contraindications table (links to Public Health Agency of Canada directly).
  • Removed active immunizing agents table.
  • Removed LMS course descriptions.
  • Added vaccine consult service information.
  • Updated Skills Checklist for Vaccine Administration.

Immunization Administration Care Directive Changes

Removed:

  • Unlicensed Health Care Providers
  • AP Procedure application
  • Learners

Added:

  • Vaccine Consult Service

If you have questions about these changes, please contact Paula Burghgraef or Cheryl MacNeil.

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