First Two Lessons of VFC Online Training in Pilot Testing

The Immunization Branch has completed development of the first two lessons of a planned 15-lesson online curriculum for VFC providers. The lessons, Preparing Vaccines and Administering Vaccines are targeted to medical assistants who work in private provider offices, as well as local health departments and community-based health clinics. The Immunization Branch is working closely with the California Medical Assistants Association to ensure that the web-based training and related materials are appropriate for MAs and meet their needs based on their immunization job responsibilities.

 The online training is the Immunization Branch’s initial foray into web-based training. Pilot testing of the first two lessons is underway in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. So far, pilot test results indicate that the training is very effective, the test users enjoy the online training experience, and the content and approach are on target. The Preparing Vaccines and Administering Vaccines lessons are scheduled to go live in June.

Lessons planned for development during the coming year include Vaccine Storage and Handling and Vaccine Ordering.

 As the number of VFC providers continues to increase, providing one-on-one and classroom immunization training becomes increasingly difficult and expensive. The VFC online training will give the Branch the ability to deliver training in appropriate skill and knowledge areas to an infinite number of learners at times and locations convenient to them. Updates about the VFC Online Training will be available at:  www.vfc-ca.org.