March update: Gold Coast Public Health Unit

Gold Coast Public Health Unit has received several recent enquiries regarding Vaccine Administration Errors (VAE’s).

These include, but are not limited to, vaccines given at an incorrect site or age and administration of expired vaccines. 

When administering any vaccine, please remember to check the six ‘rights’: 

1. Right patient  

• Check three forms of identity e.g., patients name, D.O.B, gender. 
• If more than one person is being vaccinated at the same time, prepare one vaccine at a time to avoid a potential error.  

2. Right drug 

• Check the vaccine against the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. 
• Does the vaccine need reconstitution? 
• Does the patient have any risk factors for needing additional vaccines? 
• Is the vaccine within expiry date? If expired QHIP stock, complete the discard form and send to QHIP-Admin@health.qld.gov.au. 

3. Right dose  

• Is the vaccine type correct for the patient’s age? 
• If using a multidose vial (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines), ensure the correct dose is withdrawn. 

4. Right time 

• Check the minimum interval between doses including catch up schedules. 
• Check the NIP schedule to ensure the dose is given at the appropriate age.  

5. Right route  

• Check if the vaccine is to be given IM, S/C or orally. 
• Is the appropriate needle on the vaccine syringe? 
• The recommended injection site depends on the patient’s age – anterolateral thigh for <12 months old or deltoid for ≥ 12 months old.  

6. Right documentation 

• Ensure informed consent (preferably written) from the patient or caregiver, including why you are giving the vaccine and the possible side effects.  
• Document the previous five rights

For more information, refer to the online Australian Immunisation Handbook – administration of vaccines: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccination-procedures/administration-of-vaccines.  

If you require additional immunisation support, you can contact the Gold Coast Public Health Unit on 5667 3200 or GCPHUCDC@health.qld.gov.au.