Vaccine administration, consent and adverse events
The pre-vaccination screening checklist, the elements of valid consent (including mature minors and adults without capacity), needle size, site and route, anticoagulation, the 15-minute observation, telling anaphylaxis from a vasovagal episode, adrenaline dosing, and recording on the AIR and reporting adverse events.
Tier 2Medical sciences concept
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Screen every person with the Handbook's pre-vaccination screening checklist and get valid consent before each vaccine. Consent can be verbal or written; document verbal consent in the record each time.
- Most vaccines are intramuscular: 22 to 25 gauge, 25 mm, 90 degrees, no aspiration. Deltoid from 12 months, anterolateral thigh under 12 months.
- Observe for at least 15 minutes. Have adrenaline, 1 mL syringes and an anaphylaxis protocol to hand every time.
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Sources
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Preparing for vaccination (screening checklist, valid consent, cold chain)AU/NZATAGI, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, page updated 30 September 2026
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Administration of vaccinesAU/NZATAGI, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, page updated 22 June 2026
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: After vaccination (observation, AEFI management, AIR, reporting)AU/NZATAGI, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, page updated 12 November 2026
- Australian Immunisation Handbook: Vaccination for people with bleeding disordersAU/NZATAGI, Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, 2026 (current online edition)
- Reporting adverse events following immunisationAU/NZTherapeutic Goods Administration, 2026
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Turnstile bot check on sign-in and signed-out feedback