Sunday Times 2
First certificate course on immunization sees high participation
View(s):It was into the hot and current topic of vaccines that a group of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals from various institutions delved deep under the guidance of eminent personalities.
Dr Kanthi Nanayakkara
Participants of this first-ever ‘Certificate Course on Immunization’ held in Sri Lanka gathered in the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) auditorium in Colombo on June 9. The course had been organised by the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Forum of Sri Lanka (VIDFSL).
Speakers noted with regret the absence of VIDFSL founder Dr Lucian Jayasuriya who had taken ill. But even from his hospital bed he had been directing arrangements to ensure that the function proceeded without a hitch.
Dr Lucian Jayasuriya
The course was held for both medical and non-medical healthcare professionals in the public and private sectors who had a common interest on immunization, to enhance their knowledge and capacity.
It covered important components of vaccinology and immunization, including types of vaccines, manufacture, procurement and registration, cold chain management and transport, administration of vaccines, adverse effects, allergy and treatment, vaccines in special circumstances, vaccine hesitancy, national immunization programme (NIP) and non-NIP vaccines.
The course had been conducted at the SLMA from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm on four consecutive Sunday mornings from April 21 to May 12.
“As the VIDFSL is registered with the Education, Training and Research (ET&R) Unit of the Health Ministry to award CPD (Continuous Professional Development) points, this programme was approved for the award of a maximum of 15 points to a participant,” Dr Nanayakkara said, explaining how when the course was advertised, there was an unexpectedly high response.
Ninety-six participants had registered for the course, with around 50% being nursing officers, 33% medical officers and 17% other healthcare providers.
VIDFSL patron and emeritus Professor of Paediatrics Sanath Lamabadusuriya, chief guest and SLMA president Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, guest of honour and Health Ministry’s Deputy Director General (ET&R) Dr Samiddhi Samarakoon spoke. The vote of thanks was by VIDFSL Secretary Dr Dhanushka Dasanayake.