Immunization Reporting for All LPNs as of Jan. 1, 2021

(UPDATE December 18, 2020 – The Info Sheet: Immunization Regulation Duties has been replaced with the Interpretive Document: Immunization Regulation Duties)

The Government of Alberta’s Immunization Regulation gives all health professionals, including licensed practical nurses (LPNs), additional responsibilities regarding immunizations. This aims to improve capacity to manage outbreaks, the quality of immunization services, and increase immunization rates. The second stage of these regulations comes into effect in the new year.

Reporting Requirements in Effect January 1, 2021

Starting January 1, 2021, the Immunization Regulation requires all health professionals, including LPNs, to report immunizations and related assessments to the Chief Medical Officer of Health through the Immunization Direct Submission Mechanism (IDSM).

IDSM reports must be submitted no longer than seven days after the immunization is:

• administered,
• recommended but refused,
• contraindicated,
• or when an LPN receives a written record about past unreported immunization.

Previously In Effect from December 17, 2018

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI): LPNs are required to report adverse events following immunization whether they administered the vaccine or not.

What to Report and Where to Report: Visit the AEFI reporting page on the Alberta Health Services’ (AHS) website or call 1-855-444-2324.

Storage, Handling and Transportation: LPNs administering vaccines must follow the requirements related to vaccine storing, handling, and transporting as outlined in the Immunization Regulation. LPNs providing public-funded vaccines (i.e., employed with Alberta Health Services) must also follow parameters outlined in the Alberta Vaccine Storage and Handling Policy for Provincially Funded Vaccine.

For more information, please review Alberta Immunization Policy and the following from the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA):

Questions? Contact the CLPNA’s Practice Team at practice@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll-free in Alberta).