• The online HCert (Vaccinology) qualification was able to continue throughout all levels of the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The HCert (Vaccinology) is a basic introductory programme for in-service HCWs who work in public and private sector primary healthcare clinics offering infant / childhood vaccination services.
• Eight students graduated in 2021. Click here to view SMU 2021 Virtual graduations.
• There are currently 40 students enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology), with  of 10 these students having submitted their draft Portfolios of Vaccinology Theory and Practice during 2021, 4 of whom are graduating in June 2022, having submitted their final portfolios and being assessed as competent.

Improving vaccine services during the COVID-19 pandemic

• SAVIC made a special video presentation on catch-up schedules, and provided this video to the NDoH for online distribution through a Dropbox link  to be shared with all vaccinators throughout South Africa.

Bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) training

• SAVIC developed a three-part BCG training package accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa for 8 continuous professional development (CPD) points.
• This training is provided free of charge to both private and public sector vaccinators.
• The BCG training requires free registration. 
• Part 2 of the training consists of an online interactive session where different scenarios are presented and deep level learning is stimulated through complex multiple choice questions which are answered by voting (using Blackboard Collaborate polling), and followed by online in-depth discussions of why the incorrect answers are incorrect, and why the correct answers are correct.
• For those completing Part 2 and registering for Part 3, this last part of the course consists of face-to-face training and hands-on experience on the safe administration of BCG at the SMU Skills Centre, using simulated scenarios and manikins to train vaccinators on the intradermal injection technique.

• SAVIC is currently training HCWs for the NDoH’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout programme.
• The main objective of the training is to capacitate HCWs by providing key information necessary for rolling out the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
• By 1 September 2021, 40 722 HCWs had completed the training, either online on the NDOH’s Knowledge Hub or through the NDoH Regional Training Centres.
• HCWs can still register for the online course on the NDoH’s Knowledge Hub here: https://www.knowledgehub.org.za/form/covid-19-vaccination-training.

• Prof Meyer and Mr Mahlaba were part of the South African Pharmacy Council task team that was mandated to develop a generic short course on vaccination and injection skills for pharmacists.
• Course Aim: To equip pharmacists with the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise necessary to provide safe immunisation services of the highest standard.