by Sally Finck
The Moses/Weitzman Health System (MWHS) has a new course for Medical Assistants: Immunizations for New Vaccinators. Displayed on the website for MA’s (medical assistants):
“Research shows MAs are trusted messengers around vaccines. Add your MAs as part of your organization’s strategy to improve vaccine acceptance and foster a culture of immunization.”
It’s unclear when the course was introduced; the state of Connecticut requires new vaccinators have 24 hours of formal classroom training, and 8 hours of clinical training.
- Compare and contrast standing orders versus delegated orders for vaccination
- List tools and supplies required to support proper vaccination
- Describe the Medical Assistant and provider scope of practice and roles in relation to vaccine administration
- Describe the importance of proper vaccine storage
- List the different types of federal and state reporting requirements for vaccine administration
- List strategies for educating patients about the importance of vaccines
- Chart and coordinate routine vaccination schedules
- Chart and coordinate the administration of catch-up schedules
- Demonstrate the steps required for safely administering both Intramuscular and sub-cutaneous immunizations to all age groups.
To our knowledge, this course does not describe,
- how to mitigate immediate vaccine adverse reactions
- watching for delayed-onset vaccine adverse reactions
- how to report adverse reactions to VAERS
Unknown if this is 2022, or 2023 – excerpt:
*Effective October 1, clinical Medical Assistants in Connecticut will be eligible to administer vaccinations once they complete at least 24 hours of formal classroom training and at least 8 hours of clinical training in an office, clinic, or health system.
UpSkill NIMAA: Immunizations for New Vaccinators fulfills the State of Connecticut’s 24-hour formal classroom training requirement for new Medical Assistant vaccinators. In addition to the classroom training, Medical Assistants will also need to complete 8 hours of clinical training to be fully eligible to administer immunizations. A guide for the classroom training is available as part of this course.
