Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Public Health Nursing (PHN)

ADMINISTERING ORAL POLIO VACCINE (OPV) AT A CHILD WELFARE CLINIC (CWC)

This is an activity carried out by the Public/Community health nurse at CWC where the nurse gives oral vaccines to the baby to produce immunity. Polio vaccines are vaccines used to prevent poliomyelitis. Oral polio vaccine is given in four divided doses at birth, 6weeks, 10weeks and 14weeks.

Purpose

  • Prevent children under five (5) or 0-59 months from poliomyelitis
  • Achieve herd immunity amongst children under five (5)
  • Educate mothers and caregivers on high level of proper personal and environmental hygiene
  • Educate mothers/caregivers on proper food hygiene

Indications

  • Client requires oral polio vaccine (opv) at child welfare clinic (cwc) assessment or care.

Equipment

  • Furniture which includes chairs, tables, bulletin board
  • Tablecloth
  • Two (2) registers, one for registration of children under one (1) year and the other for children above one year
  • Weighing tally sheets
  • Master chart for grading nutritional status
  • Attendance book
  • Immunization tally sheets
  • Maternal and child health record book
  • Syringes and needles/solo shot
  • Immunization tray containing gallipots, kidney dish, dissecting forceps, artery forceps, scissors
  • Sterile cotton wool swabs in a closed drum
  • Safety box for sharps
  • Vaccine carrier containing vaccines/cold box
  • A flask containing ice cubes
  • Cheatle forceps
  • Hand washing facilities- veronica bucket, plastic bowls, soap in a dish, hand towels
  • Medication for treatment of minor ailments such as paracetamol, zinc tablets
  • Electronic/manual visual aids for education
  • Blue and red pens, pencils, eraser and rule

Preparation

  • Review client records and history.
  • Gather necessary equipment and supplies.
  • Plan the visit timing and logistics.

Procedure steps

  • Establish rapport and ask about general health or the health of the baby
  • Find out from mother/caregiver the type of immunization the child has had previously
  • Check the maternal and child health record book and find out which vaccine to give
  • Explain the procedure to the mother/caregiver and ask for feedback
  • Show mother/caregiver how to hold the child and wash hands with appropriate technique
  • Pick vaccine with right hand, check vaccine vial monitor (VVM), expiry date and open it
  • Use left hand to open the mouth by pressing the lower jaw gently
  • Squeeze 2 to 3 drops of vaccine at the back of the tongue of child
  • Compliment the mother for bringing her child for immunization and schedule for next visit
  • Wash hands/alcohol hand rub with appropriate technique
  • Record and report findings manually/electronically

Precautions

  • Maintain infection prevention and control measures throughout.
  • Respect client privacy and confidentiality.
  • Ensure cultural sensitivity and dignity.
  • Refer or escalate when complications arise.

Aftercare

  • Evaluate client response to interventions.
  • Schedule follow-up as needed.
  • Ensure client understands care plan.

Nursing considerations

  • Adapt care to client's unique circumstances.
  • Involve family members as appropriate.
  • Consider social determinants of health.

Patient education

  • Provide condition-specific health education.
  • Teach self-care strategies where applicable.
  • Reinforce importance of follow-up.

Documentation

  • Record all assessments and findings.
  • Document interventions provided.
  • Note client education given.
  • Report any referrals made.

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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