Under the supervision of the Immunization Clinic Supervisor, seeks to protect the community from vaccine preventable disease by providing education and immunization services to community residents.  Assesses the immunization status of clients, administers vaccines, and educates clients and caregivers about immunizations matters.  Provides information and administers vaccines to international travelers.

Essential Functions

Assesses and evaluates the immunization status and needs of clients and Health Department staff through the knowledge of current vaccine preventable disease, immunization guidelines, vaccination schedules, state, federal, and international requirements, and client medical history. Interprets international immunization records.

  Educates clients and caregivers about the importance of immunization, following recommended immunization schedules, possible side effects of immunizations, and aftercare.

  Triages telephone calls from various professional and non-professional sources regarding immunizations, vaccine safety, lice treatments, and vaccination requirements for international travel.

  Draws up vaccines according to manufacturer's instructions and administers them using safe and proper techniques and a system of double checks to ensure accuracy.  Administers and evaluates tuberculosis skin tests and refers clients as needed per protocol.

  Completes appropriate client and clinic records to ensure correct vaccines are administered and documented.

  Works with diverse cultures including non-English speaking clients to overcome barriers to obtaining health care.  Counsels and advises clients using interpreters as necessary.

  Reports cases of suspected abuse or neglect of children and adults to the proper authorities in accordance with department policy and state law.

  Monitors the immunization status and requirements of high risk Hepatitis B and C clients in accordance with the State of Michigan and County Health Department guidelines.

  Provides travel consultation by assessing routine, required, and recommended immunizations for international travel.  Develops and implements individualized careplans for client education, prophylaxis, and referrals as needed.  Collaborates with practice physicians to maintain quality standards of care. 

Participates in off-site Vaccination Clinics in the community including regularly scheduled and seasonal clinics.  Transports biologicals, sharps, and other required supplies to clinic sites in a safe and secure manner and administers vaccines.  Provides immunization expertise to staff at monthly, off-site immunization clinics.

Assesses and evaluates blood pressure and counsels and refers as needed utilizing current protocols. 

Evaluates clients for the presence of lice and educates clients and caregivers on their control and prevention.  Dispenses treatment according to current protocol. 

Serves as a resource and trains physician office personnel in the administration and assessment of immunizations using current state standards.  Provides training in Vaccination Clinic activities to newly hired nurses, visiting nurses, medical assistants, and medical students.

Researches, develops, and implements presentations for continuing education credits for Health Department nurses and community health car workers. 

Participates in community events such as health fairs to promote increased rates of immunization. 

Prepares for and responds to emergencies, such as a communicable disease outbreak, within a clinic or in the community at large.  Responds to medical emergency situations in the clinic such as vaccine reactions, child injuries, and signs and symptoms of chest pains.

Ensures that client records are kept secure and confidential and maintained consistent with Health Department policies and procedures and HIPAA st