The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) has issued a position statement highlighting the vital role many registered health practitioners will play in the Covid-19 vaccination programme, including educating the public about the importance and safety of the vaccines to ensure high participation rates.
Ahpra, in partnership with the 15 National Health Practitioner Boards (National Boards), said it strongly encourages all registered health practitioners and students (particularly those undertaking placements in various practice settings) to have the full Covid-19 vaccination course as scheduled, unless medically contraindicated.
The National Boards said it expects its members to be appropriately qualified and trained to administer Covid-19 vaccines if authorised, and to provide accurate information and advice about Covid-19 vaccination, including via social media and advertising.
“Any promotion of anti-vaccination statements or health advice contradicting the best available scientific evidence or seeking to actively undermine the national immunisation campaign (including via social media) is not supported by National Boards and may be in breach of the codes of conduct and subject to investigation and possible regulatory action,” it said.
To help registered health practitioners understand and meet their obligations when using social media, the National Boards has published guidance: https://www.ahpra.gov.au/Publications/Social-media-guidance.aspx
