The CVWUS was introduced in June 2021 as a new class of vaccinators who are non-regulated healthcare workers to support the COVID-19 immunisation programme rollout.  Authorised CVWUS can administer the COVID-19 Comirnaty 30mcg vaccine to 12 years and above under the direct supervision of a clinical supervisor. 

If you already have authorisation as a CVWUS, it is valid to 30 June 2023. 

No more authorisations of CVWUS 

Education and authorisation to become a CVWUS closed on 30 September 2022. 

If you have not completed the training and you want to become a vaccinator, we recommend you complete the vaccinating health worker courses. 

Vaccinating health worker (VHW) is a new vaccinator role introduced in May 2022 that supersedes the former COVID-19 Vaccinator Working Under Supervision (CVWUS) role. 

VHWs can administer a limited range of vaccines under the supervision of a clinical supervisor without a standing order. The vaccines VHWs can administer is dependent on their authorisation. 

Authorised VHW Stage 1s can:

• administer COVID-19 and influenza vaccines to people aged 12 years and over
• administer Tdap and HPV9 vaccines to people aged 11 years and over.

Authorised VHW Stage 2s can:

• administer VHW Stage 1 vaccines
• administer MMR, COVID-19 Comirnaty and influenza vaccines to people aged 5 years and over
• Prepare COVID-19 Comirnaty multi-dose vaccines (on completion of additional optional training)

How to become an authorised vaccinating health worker

On completion of the online courses for both VHW Stage 1 and VHW Stage 2, you will need to complete a practical workshop followed by workplace clinical training and a practical assessment under a standing order. 

You then need to apply to Te Whatu Ora for authorisation. Once you have been granted authorisation, you can administer vaccines as per your authorisation letter under the supervision of a clinical supervisor. 
‍

VHW Stage 1 and Stage 2 pathway overview

In addition to the IMAC VHW training, the VHWs must also complete other core training outlined in the VHW Capability Matrix. The employer is responsible for providing access to courses and support for course completion.
‍

‍

Course detail and training pathway

There is more information on the training pathway and details on the course in the course information pages: VHW Stage 1 and VHW Stage 2.

‍

How to maintain and renew your authorisation 

All authorised VHWs are required to renew their authorisation every two years. The renewal process for VHW authorisation is currently under development. 

Questions on the authorisation process should be emailed to: vaccinatorauthorisations@health.govt.nz.

‍

Authorisation expiry for COVID-19 Vaccinator working under supervision (CVWUS)

Any CVWUS that does not transition to a VHW by 1 June 2023 will no longer be authorized to vaccinate and must stop vaccinating on this date. You can read more about this change here: CVWUS ending.

‍

How to register for IMAC vaccinator education courses 

VHW education is currently free. For general registration questions please email imaceducation@auckland.ac.nz.

The immunisation support workforce is a diverse group that plays a critical role in supporting immunisation services and authorised vaccinators. Building on the success from Aotearoa’s COVID-19 vaccination programme, an immunisation support worker could be a:

• COVID-19 Immunisation Register (CIR) administrator
• Cold chain technician
• Kaiarahi / reception staff 
• Pharmacy technician who may prepare COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines or be a vaccinating health worker.

This education is most suited to people who will be working at vaccination centres in supporting roles. The available education is not compulsory. It will help vaccination providers ensure their workforce have the knowledge on tasks pertinent to their roles to confidently support the COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

‍

Education to gain knowledge and skills to become an immunisation support worker 

IMAC offers a range of immunisation support worker education specific for the role being undertaken.

Click here to view our immunisation support worker course

Pharmacy technicians are recognised as a critical immunisation workforce as they can be upskilled to support the preparation and storage of the COVID-19 Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, administer approved vaccines as a vaccinating health worker or support immunisation sites as an immunisation support worker. 

Education options 

IMAC offers a range of online immunisation education for pharmacy technicians specific to the role you will be undertaking.

Important notes

1. Vaccinating Health Workers must be authorised by Te Whatu Ora before administering approved vaccines under the supervision of a clinical supervisor.

2. The pharmacy technician COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine storage and preparation course is for qualified pharmacy technicians, or those who are currently enrolled in the pharmacy technician training and have completed a minimum of six months of the course.

‍

Click here to view our pharmacy technician course