Despite the advent of COVID-19, significant progress was made during 2021 and early 2022 towards achieving Vaccinator Certification of South African HCWs.
- 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.
- There are currently 26 students enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology), with of 10 these students having submitted their draft Portfolios of Vaccinology Theory and Practice during 2022
- Four students graduated in June 2022. Click here to view SMU 2022 graduation ceremony
- Eight students graduated in 2021. Click here to view SMU 2021 Virtual graduation ceremony
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 31 March 2022, we had 42 437 HCWs who 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.
"I enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology) to gain more experience about vaccines. My experience has been great and I found the program very informative because it gave me better insight into the world of vaccines beyond the scientific aspect. Though COVID-19 made studying and commitment difficult especially during the first and second waves but with persistence and perseverance I was able to pull though. I personally feel fulfilled that I am among the very first set of the Hcert vaccinology graduates in SMU/ South Africa."
"I enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology) because I wanted to change the narrative about vaccination."
"I enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology) because I wanted to be a well-informed vaccine advocate and with the current pandemic, the skills learnt in the programme have definitely enhanced my role as a Pharmacist especially in tackling cases of hesitancy."
"I enrolled in the HCert (Vaccinology) because I want to learn more about vaccines and administration. I want to help people in need. Thank you SMU, I will be able to assist clinics on vaccination days."
"The HCert (Vaccinology) course is very cleverly designed - after completing the 11 modules as well as the practical session, I feel well equipped to run a successful vaccination site."
"The HCert (Vaccinology) course was necessary for me because it’s related to something I’m exposed to on a daily basis. My communication skills are polished - I’m now more confident about vaccination and serving the community with insight, thanks to SAVIC."
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