Regulatory Spotlight
T
he Government of Alberta Immunization Regulation gives all health professionals, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), additional responsibilities regarding immunizations. This aims to improve capacity to manage outbreaks, the quality of immunization services, and increase immunization rates. The second stage of these regulations comes into effect in the new year.
Immunization Reporting Requirements for All LPNs
Reporting Requirements in Effect January 1, 2021 Starting January 1, 2021, the Immunization Regulation requires all health professionals, including LPNs, to report immunizations and related assessments to the Chief Medical Officer of Health through the Immunization Direct Submission Mechanism (IDSM). IDSM reports must be submitted no longer than seven days after the immunization is: • administered, • recommended but refused, • contraindicated, • or when an LPN receives a written record about past unreported immunization.
In Effect from December 17, 2018 Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI): LPNs are required to report adverse events following immunization whether they administered the vaccine or not. What to Report and Where to Report: Visit the AEFI reporting page on the Alberta Health Services (AHS) website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/ page16187.aspx or call 1-855-444-2324. Storage, Handling and Transportation: LPNs administering vaccines must follow the requirements related to vaccine storing, handling, and transporting as outlined in the Immunization Regulation. LPNs providing public-funded vaccines (i.e., employed with Alberta Health Services) must also follow parameters outlined in the Alberta Vaccine Cold Chain Policy. For more information, please review the related CLPNA document on Immunization Regulation Duties on the CLPNA website by searching Immunization Regulation, and the Alberta Immunization Policy at https://www. alberta.ca/alberta-immunization-policy.aspx n
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