HSE Occupational Health has developed medication protocols for nurses in the HSE Regional Occupational Health services and the HSE Centre. These protocols support delivery of the HCW immunisation programme. They follow the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has hosted these guidelines as a statutory function under the Health Act 2007 (as amended) since 31 March 2025.
Regional Occupational Health Services medication protocols
The following versions of the protocols are for use in these settings:
- Boostrix - Medicine Protocol for administration by registered nurses in Occupational Health. Reference: OP:02:04 (PDF, 290 KB, 13 pages)
- M‑M‑RVaxPro (MMR) - Medicine Protocol for administration of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella live vaccine. Reference: OP:03:04 (PDF, 400 KB, 15 pages)
- Hepatitis B (ENGERIX B/HBV) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:04:03:01 (PDF, 370 KB, 16 pages)
- Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:07:04 (PDF, 325 KB, 14 pages)
- Hepatitis A (Havrix Monodose) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:09:01 (PDF, 415 KB, 14 pages)
- Twinrix Adult - Medicine Protocol for administration of Hepatitis A and B (HAB) vaccine. Reference: OP:10:01 (PDF, 370 KB, 15 pages)
Section 38 and 39 organisations
Occupational Health medication protocols may be used by Occupational Health nurses in Section 38 and 39 organisations.
The following versions of the protocols are for use in these settings:
- Boostrix - Medicine Protocol for administration by registered nurses in Occupational Health. Reference: OP:02:04 (PDF, 290 KB, 13 pages)
- M‑M‑RVaxPro (MMR) - Medicine Protocol for administration of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella live vaccine. Reference: OP:03:04 (PDF, 400 KB, 15 pages)
- Hepatitis B (ENGERIX B/HBV) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:04:03:01 (PDF, 370 KB, 16 pages)
- Varivax (Varicella Vaccine) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:07:04 (PDF, 325 KB, 14 pages)
- Hepatitis A (Havrix Monodose) - Medicine Protocol for administration to healthcare workers. Reference: OP:09:01 (PDF, 415 KB, 14 pages)
- Twinrix Adult - Medicine Protocol for administration of Hepatitis A and B (HAB) vaccine. Reference: OP:10:01 (PDF, 370 KB, 15 pages)
Supporting documentation
- Vaccine declination form (PDF, 190 KB, 1 page)
- Self-assessment of competency to vaccinate (PDF, 275 KB, 3 pages)
Training
Essential training
- Basic Life Support - every 2 years
- Anaphylaxis - initial training must be completed face-to-face. You can complete refresher training online on HSeLanD. You must renew every 2 years.
Recommended training
Immunisation elearning on HSeLanD:
- Storing and Managing Vaccines
- Talking About Immunisation
- Vaccinations and Pregnancy
- HSE National Consent Policy (2022v1.2), Module 1 General Principles
- Fundamentals of GDPR
- National Vaccination Education Programme for Registered Nurses, Midwives, Public Health Nurses 2025
- Medication Management Programme
As a nurse or midwife, you should use your professional judgement and refer to the latest NMBI guidance and organisational policies to ensure safe, effective practice.
Further information
National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland - hiqa.ie