About Immunization

The Public Health – Nursing program provides overall immunization coordination and ongoing education to nurses and other members of the health care team in the area of immunization. The Public Health Nurse (PHN) is responsible for developing, recommending and providing expert, consultation, and clinical assistance to those implementing public health nursing policies and programs.

In consultation with the Partners, the PHN focuses on the following areas: Immunization (preschool, school and influenza), Maternal and Child Health (MCH), Panorama, and Influenza. PHN also provides certification in immunization for specialty nursing practices as well as other continuing nursing education. Reviews of nursing policy and procedures are developed in consultation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the PHN and Nursing Program Advisor work together on developments in specialty practices for Community Health Nurses, Home Care Nurses and Primary Care Nurses.

Public Health Nurses (PHN) are Registered Nurses who work with Communities on preventative health programs to lower the incidence of disease and injury, and to promote healthy lifestyles. The specific areas include but are not limited to:

  • Immunization Programs – Child health clinics, school immunizations and flu clinics
  • Healthy pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant and child health
  • Community Assessment and Community development
  • Health Education and Promotion
  • Communicable Disease Control

Goals & Objectives

The NITHA PHN consults with the Community Leadership and health staff to assess community strengths and to identify current health issues. The NITHA PHN also supports the 2nd level organizations and the Community Health Nurses with consultations about immunization schedules, recommendations and adverse events following immunizations.

The NITHA PHN provides the following 3rd level services:

  • policy development
  • program evaluation
  • surveillance
  • nursing updates
  • vaccine management

Other services include immunization certification, education, and updates to nurses and other health staff in the NITHA partnership and Communities.

For contact information, please visit our staff page.