Vaccination Practitioner

The Vaccination Practitioner will provide specialist clinical expertise to support the safe and effective delivery of inpatient seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programmes across University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust sites. The post holder will work autonomously within their sphere of competence and in accordance with authorised Patient Group Directions (PGDs), national immunisation guidance, commissioned service requirements and Trust policies to ensure the safe assessment, vaccination and monitoring of eligible patients. The post holder will be responsible for assessing patient eligibility, identifying contraindications and clinical risks, obtaining valid informed consent and administering vaccinations safely and effectively. They will utilise professional judgement and specialist clinical knowledge to support delivery of a high-quality vaccination service aimed at improving vaccine uptake, reducing vaccine-preventable illness and improving patient outcomes. Working collaboratively with ward teams, medical staff, pharmacy, infection prevention and control teams, discharge teams and other multidisciplinary colleagues, the post holder will support the identification of eligible patients and maximise opportunities for vaccination throughout the inpatient pathway. The post holder will ensure accurate and contemporaneous documentation within patient records and national reporting systems, maintain compliance with governance requirements and contribute to service evaluation, audit, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities. The role may also support wider Trust vaccination, immunisation and infection prevention initiatives, including peer vaccination programmes, where appropriately trained and where service requirements permit, whilst maintaining delivery of the seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination programme as the primary focus of the role. Main Responsibilities eliver seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible inpatients in accordance with authorised PGDs, national immunisation guidance, commissioned service requirements and Trust policies. Assess patient eligibility, identify contraindications, cautions and clinical risk factors and ensure patients meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria for vaccination. Obtain and document valid informed consent, or support best-interest decision making where appropriate, in accordance with legislation and Trust policies. Safely prepare and administer vaccines, maintain cold chain requirements and manage adverse events, including recognition and initial management of anaphylaxis. Provide patients, families and carers with evidence-based information regarding vaccination, including benefits, risks, expected side effects and follow-up care. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to identify eligible patients and maximise opportunities to improve vaccination uptake. Maintain accurate and timely documentation within patient records, NHS Record a Vaccination Service (RAVS) and other approved reporting systems. Ensure vaccination practice complies with current national guidance, authorised PGDs, commissioned service requirements and Trust governance arrangements. Identify, report and escalate incidents, adverse events, cold chain breaches and governance concerns in accordance with Trust procedures and NHS England reporting requirements. Maintain professional competence through completion of mandatory training, competency assessment, clinical supervision and continuing professional development activities. Contribute to audit, quality improvement, service evaluation and assurance activities to support the delivery of a safe, effective and compliant vaccination service. Provide specialist vaccination advice within own sphere of competence and act as a professional role model promoting safe and effective vaccination practice. Support wider Trust vaccination, immunisation and infection prevention initiatives, including peer vaccination programmes, where appropriately trained and service requirements permit. For further details please see the attached job description.