Mrs. Rachael Mcguire1, Mrs. Mel Addison2
1Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia, 2SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Rachael is a Registered Nurse and accredited immuniser with a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Education. She has experience immunising in the community, travel clinics and hospital immunisation services. Her special interests lie in vaccine safety, equity, and special risk groups. She has also educated internationally, supporting immunisation policy and decision-making.
Abstract:
Problem
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is an avoidable injury occurring when a vaccine is injected too high, causing trauma to the joint or surrounding structures. Pain and restricted movement is significant, lasting weeks to months or even years. SIRVA impacts include suboptimal immune response and inability to work or complete activities of daily living.
SAEFVIC (Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination In the Community), the Victorian reporting service for adverse events following immunisation (AEFI), have noticed increasing SIRVA reports.
Healthcare workers (HCW) have greater exposure to vaccine-preventable infections. Vaccination is an important prevention strategy; however, it can increase the possibility of vaccine-related injury. Mandatory vaccination for HCWs further elevates this risk.
Action
SAEFVIC, with MVEC (Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre, mvec.mcri.edu.au), have developed education tools (web-based written resources, visual aids, eLearning courses, social media content, face-to-face and telephone advice) to increase awareness and reduce the incidence of injury.
Results
SAEFVIC has received 436 SIRVA reports since 2007, 21% (n=89) affecting HCWs. Of those, 71% (63/89) were vaccinated though hospital services. SIRVA reports affecting HCWs have increased by 48% since 2021 (introduction of mandatory vaccination).
Engagement with education tools has been significant: web-based written resources (42,847 views since 2018), eLearnings (21,468 participants since 2021).
Conclusion
Despite the strategies implemented, SIRVA continues to be reported. Mandatory vaccination has possibly contributed to the burden of injury in HCWs.
Annual competency assessment and further stakeholder engagement may improve awareness, ensure proficiency and safe vaccination, and reduce incidence of SIRVA.