Order, store and manage immunisations
Important update regarding the transfer of QHIP vaccines between vaccine service providers
The transfer of National Immunisation Program (NIP) and state-funded vaccines between vaccine service providers (VSPs) is currently restricted to specific provider types as authorised under the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021. Use the decision support tool below to check whether you are authorised to transfer vaccines.
We are working to resolve the issue and will keep you informed on progress.
Should you require further advice contact QHIP via email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
There are no changes to the vaccine discard process. To discard vaccines provided by QHIP please complete a Vaccine Discard Form (PDF 453 kB) and email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.
Thank you for your continued support of the Queensland Immunisation Program
Decision support tool
| Question Id (Enter as a capital Q and a number no spaces) | Question or Statement | Response | Go to Question or Outcome (based on response selected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Are you a Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) registered pharmacist vaccine service provider (e.g., at a pharmacy)? | Yes | Q2 |
| No | Outcome1 | ||
| Q2 | Are you transferring QHIP supplied vaccines to another QHIP registered pharmacist vaccine service provider to:
| Yes | Outcome2 |
| No | Q3 | ||
| Q3 | Are you transferring QHIP supplied vaccines to a person authorised to give a purchase order under the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulations 2021 (i.e. a General Practitioner) | Yes | Outcome3 |
| No | Outcome4 |
You may not be authorised to transfer QHIP supplied vaccines under the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulations 2021.
Need further information or advice?
Email: QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
OK to transfer QHIP supplied vaccines on the completion of the Pharmacist vaccine transfer form (PDF 406 kB)
OK to transfer QHIP supplied vaccines with a valid purchase order and on the notification to QHIP via the completion and submission of the Pharmacist vaccine transfer form (PDF 406 kB)
You may not be authorised to transfer QHIP supplied vaccines under the Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulations 2021.
Need further information or advice?
Email: QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
Ordering immunisations
The Queensland Health Immunisation Program (QHIP) operates via an email only ordering and enquiries system.
Incoming emails and orders are monitored and processed during standard business hours.
Prospective QHIP registered vaccination service providers can submit an enquiry about the registration process via email to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
Order forms must be completed electronically and submitted via email.
Complete the order form relevant to your Vaccination Service Provider type and email to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
- Pharmacy Vaccination Service Providers should complete the Pharmacy Vaccine Order Form (PDF 146 kB)
- All other Vaccination Service Providers should complete the Vaccine Order Form (PDF 160 kB)
- School Immunisation Program (SIP) vaccine orders — complete the SIP Vaccine Order Form (PDF 1461 kB) and email it to qhip.sbvp@health.qld.gov.au
Storing immunisations
Storage must be in accordance with the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5'.
These are delicate biological substances and must be stored between +2 degrees Celsius and +8 degrees Celsius. Exposure to temperatures outside this range may have to be considered ineffective and may need to be discarded. Immunisation products must be stored appropriately to:
- ensure patients receive an effective immunisation - reducing their risk of morbidity and mortality from vaccine preventable diseases
- ensure efficient management of resources (vaccines are an expensive resource that can be in limited supply)
- avoid patients needing re-immunisation after having been given an ineffective product.
Reporting a cold chain breach
A cold chain breach (CCB) occurs when the storage temperature deviates outside of the recommended range of between +2° Celsius and +8° Celsius (excludes deviations up to +12° Celsius lasting 15 minutes or less). In the event of a CCB, Vaccination Service Providers should:
- Immediately quarantine the affected immunisation products. Do not use them.
- Complete a Cold Chain Breach Report Form (PDF 591 kB). The person who noted the breach should complete the form.
- Email the completed form to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au. Include ‘COLD CHAIN BREACH’ in the email subject line.
- QHIP will respond to your email as soon as possible with advice.
Discarding vaccines
To discard vaccines provided by QHIP please complete a Vaccine discard form (PDF 453 kB) and email to QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au.
Immunisation delivery failure
If your delivery has not been packed appropriately or you believe the immunisation products have been outside the recommended temperature range, do not use them.
- Quarantine the delivery in your purpose-built vaccine refrigerator.
- Complete a Vaccine Delivery Report Form (PDF 311 kB)and email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
- Include ‘VACCINE DELIVERY REPORT’ in the email subject line.
- QHIP will respond as soon as possible with advice.
General enquiries
For all enquiries, email QHIP-ADMIN@health.qld.gov.au
If the matter is urgent, include ‘URGENT’ in the subject line and we will respond as soon as possible.