1. Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
September 3, 2019

2. Infection Prevention & Control
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Infection Prevention & Control
Hand hygiene is the single most important action that decreases the spread of infection
Hand hygiene is done with:
- Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)
- Regular liquid soap, water and disposable hand towels

3. Hand hygiene Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) Approved AHS product
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Hand hygiene
Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR)
Approved AHS product
Use sufficient ABHR to rub all surfaces of hands (2-3 pumps) including between fingers and the base of the thumbs for a minimum of 15 seconds
Regular liquid soap, water and disposable hand towels
Wet hands, apply soap, rub all surfaces for minimum 15 seconds
Rinse with clear, running water
Recommended if hands are visibly soiled
Apply AHS approved hand creams to maintain skin integrity
Glove use is not a substitute for hand hygiene

4. Four Moments of Hand Hygiene
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Four Moments of Hand Hygiene
Before each client contact or contact with their environment
Before clean/aseptic procedures (such as immunization)
After blood and body fluid exposure risk (such as after immunization)
After contact with the client or their environment
AHS Hand Hygiene Policy and Procedure
Policy states staff and medical staff wearing casts, dressings or splints that hinder Hand Hygiene can not provide direct client care
Policy states that artificial nails, nail enhancements, and chipped nail polish should not be worn. Natural nails should be clean, healthy and not to exceed 6 mm or 0.25 inches.
Rings limited to plain bands.

5. Hand hygiene at large immunization sites
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Hand hygiene at large immunization sites
Examples only, not limited to these occasions:
Start and end of shift
Before and after contact with the client
Before handling immunization supplies (entering vaccine bags), including the set up of immunizing stations
After vaccine administered and before handling other equipment, such as papers and pens

6. IPC for vaccine administration
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
IPC for vaccine administration
Clean and disinfect clinic table/ work surface with appropriate low-level disinfectant (e.g., accelerated hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium compounds)
- This is a two step procedure - clean first, and then disinfect
- Always start the disinfection stage with a clean cloth
Cover table/work station with a large clean drape
Use a small drape in front of immunizing staff as a clean work area
- avoid placing papers/pens, computers on this area
Place appropriate puncture resistant biohazard container for use at point of contact to dispose of sharps immediately after use

7. Preparing for immunization in large public clinic sites
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Preparing for immunization in large public clinic sites
Maintain small drape as the clean surface for the immunization station (needles, syringes, swabs, etc)
When documenting ensure the clean surface is not contaminated by either paperwork or computer.
When station not in use:
- Drape with a clean drape (e.g., coffee times, meal times)
Drapes used to cover the immunization stations can be reused for the day
- Ensure they are folded so the inside portion maintains a clean field

8. Preparing for immunization at large public clinic sites
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Preparing for immunization at large public clinic sites
During the clinic:
Immunization station and tables are cleaned and disinfected at the start of the clinic and at the end of the clinic, not at the beginning and end of staff shifts
Cleaning and disinfection of the station during the shift needs to be done only if the area becomes dirty/contaminated/wet
At that time, the area would be cleaned, disinfected and set up
At the end of the day, for sites that are only there for the day:
Clean and disinfect station per IPC Guidelines but not set up for the next day
 For sites where the campaign is ongoing & stations used next day:
Area cleaned, disinfected & set up with fresh supplies and draped in preparation for the next day.

9. Cleaning of blood and body fluids
Communicable Disease Control – Population, Public and Indigenous Health
Cleaning of blood and body fluids
Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn
Gloves must be worn and if there is the possibility of splashing, further PPE (gown, mask and eye protection) may be required
Clean area by blotting blood/body fluids with disposable towels, discarding in a regular plastic-lined waste container
In addition, for non porous surfaces, clean area with soap & water once clean-up is completed, tie garbage bag and place in regular garbage
After initial cleaning, disinfect with a fresh solution of bleach (1 part bleach:9 parts water) or use a low level disinfectant
Thoroughly clean equipment (e.g. mop &handle, pail) before re-use
Wash hands with soap and running water