Perinatal Immunisation Lead

Job responsibilities

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Clinical Responsibilities:

Observe the appropriate professional body standards

Deliver maternal vaccinations in accordance with the service specifications

Competent and confident in all aspects of immunisation including knowledge of the contraindications to specific vaccines and the recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis

Ensure maternal vaccinations are offered at the correct point along the maternal pathway, in accordance with guidance set out within The Green Book, PGDs and healthcare professional guidance

Work alongside the Trust to set up a vaccination service within the antenatal setting, that pregnant women and people can access easily. Develop an offer of bookable, ad-hoc and extended access appointments, ensuring that opportunities for vaccination are available at multiple touch points in the maternity pathway

Perform robust health pre-assessments including but not exclusive to previous reactions to vaccination, allergy history and vaccination history

Assess and address any concerns and ensure consent and clinical assessment is completed and recorded within maternity records prior to vaccination

Escalate any concerns where necessary, to an appropriate health care professional in order to gain further advice and support

Assume responsibility for the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with the Trust Policies and Statutory Rules and Regulations

Ensure correct syringes, needles and all other equipment pertaining to safe vaccination are used

Ensure correct disposal of syringes and sharps as per the clinical waste policy.

Ensure vaccines are ordered, stored, and monitored appropriately

Ensure concise, accurate and timely record keeping and that vaccine batch numbers are recorded under the correct patient, documented in the patients electronic notes and national database

Undertake any training required relevant to the post and keep up to date with best practice

2. General Responsibilities:

Regularly evaluate the way maternal immunisations are offered within the trust and have the ability to adapt to what is required for the local population and to improve uptake

Work with community groups/individuals vulnerable to non-participation to improve awareness of immunisations and access to immunisations programs, highlighting the benefit and offering reassurance regarding concerns

Ensure that a wide range of national/ approved leaflets and resources in different languages are available to offer along with information in accessible formats.

Utilise translation materials and use of translator services where this is required

Work with colleagues in PCN/GP practices to ensure individuals vulnerable to non-participation are supported to access opportunistic vaccinations in an alternative setting if more appropriate e.g. community family hubs, birth centres

Develop local knowledge and expertise that will be key for service users

Develop insight work to understand the reasons why pregnant people decline the offer of vaccination

Reduce inequalities in uptake by targeted action amongst population groups with low uptake

Provide time and resources to service users to offer the information they need and address anxieties to promote and improve uptake of immunisations

Use every contact to also promote and educate service users about the childhood immunisation programme, and the importance of attending for these after the baby is born

Participate in research and clinical audit programmes pertinent to public health in maternity, demonstrating a knowledge of current research in all work aspects

Identify and deliver training to the multidisciplinary team to raise awareness of maternal immunisations

Collect and collate data as required in relation to public health in line with maternity data set, commissioning requirements, freedom of information requests.

Develop and maintain databases required by the role.

Develop maternity records to ensure vaccination is a mandatory question on electronic maternity notes

Ensure the dissemination and implementation of regional and national guidance

Qualifications

Essential

• Registered with professional body - NMC
• Registered Nurse/Midwife with active pin

Desirable

• Qualification in immunisation and vaccination
• Mentorship qualification
• Further study relation to public health

Experience for the role

Essential

• Experience in administration of vaccination/IM medication
• Knowledge of Department of Health policies and guidance including clinical risk, CNST, NICE and MBRRACE

Personal attributes

Essential

• Manage and prioritise workload
• Ability to work as part of team and actively participate in team meetings
• Ability to work flexibly and respond to changing demands in workload
• Ability to work in the various areas of the maternity unit and the community setting
• Ability to work with flexibility for the hours required by the needs of the post
• Ability to work in accordance with Trust guidance and policies
• Ability to deal with difficult and sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to work within the role with minimal supervision
• Able to maintain and record information accurately
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection
• Ability to communication effectively with patients, visitors and colleagues
• Ability to adapt and apply new ideas, knowledge and skills
• Committed to the Trust mandatory training and any additional training for the role
• Committed to anti-racism and to learn skills regarding this commitment
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Ability to be an effective team member
• Ability to be an effective team member
• Understanding of equity for the community that the Trust serves
• Knowledge of multi agency working together in safeguarding
• Actively seeks to develop own knowledge, skills and ability and professional updating
• Evidence or personal development
• Interest in the development of clinical research based practice
• Interest in quality programmes and audits

Desirable

• Evidence of practice related feedback
• Evidence of involvement in quality improvement projects
• Involvement with the immunisation programme
• Broad understanding of public health matters in relation to pregnancy
• Experience of delivering education sessions
• Evidence of governance and dealing with complaints and incidents
• Competent in databases and spreadsheets
• Competent in statistical analysis - presenting findings through Powerpointt, excel, word programmes

Other

Essential

• Ability to travel between sites and within the community setting

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).