For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Vaccinating health workers – the key to improving immunisation coverage?
+Practice
In print
VACCINES
Vaccinating health workers – the key to improving immunisation coverage?
Wednesday 28 September 2022, 12:30 AM

He rau ringa e oti ai – many hands make light work [Image: Hannah Busing on Unsplash]
This article looks at the evolving role of the vaccinating health worker and its place in delivering national immunisation programmes moving forward
Key points, The traditional vaccinating workforce is under pressure.
The vaccinating health worker role (VHW, formerly CVWUS) has proven vital in the COVID-19 v, Pract Green w Pale Yellow
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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References
- Hand T. Influenza vaccination by healthcare assistants. Primary Health Care 2009;19(8):16–20.
- Ministry of Health. Immunisation Handbook 2020. Wellington, NZ: Ministry of Health; 2022. https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/immunisation-handbook-2020
- Tafea V, Mowat R, Cook C. Understanding barriers to immunisation against vaccine-preventable diseases in Pacific people in New Zealand, Aotearoa: an integrative review. J Prim Health Care 2022;14(2):156–63.
- Turner NM, Charania NA, Chong A, et al. The challenges and opportunities of translating best practice immunisation strategies among low performing general practices to reduce equity gaps in childhood immunisation coverage in New Zealand. BMC Nurs 2017;16:31.