
Instead of saying “What do you want to do about shots today,” an approach using presumptive language would be to say, “Your child needs three vaccines today.” When providers use presumptive language to initiate vaccine discussions, significantly more parents choose to vaccinate their children, especially at first-time visits. Research also shows when a strong recommendation is given by a health care provider, a patient is four to five times more likely to be vaccinated. Studies show health care providers are the most trusted source of vaccine information. Inconsistent messages from health care personnel about the need for and safety of vaccines may cause confusion about the importance of vaccines. All health care personnel, including non-clinical staff, play an important role in promoting vaccination and creating a culture of immunization within a clinical practice. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent diseases. Top of Page Educate Patients or Parents about Needed Vaccines To save time, some facilities ask patients to answer screening questions before seeing the provider, either electronically via an online health care portal or on a paper form while in the waiting or exam room. To assess patients correctly and consistently, health care providers should use a standardized, comprehensive screening tool. The patient’s health condition or recommendations regarding contraindications and precautions for vaccination may change from one visit to the next. Screen for Contraindications and Precautionsīefore administering any vaccine, patients should be screened for contraindications and precautions, even if the patient has previously received that vaccine. If a documented immunization history is not available, administer the vaccines that are indicated based on the patient’s age, medical condition(s), and other risk factors, such as planned travel. Missed opportunities to vaccinate should be avoided. In most cases, health care providers should only accept written, dated records as evidence of vaccination however, self-reported doses of influenza vaccine or pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are acceptable. To obtain a patient’s immunization history, information from immunization information systems (IISs), current and historical medical records, and personal shot record cards may be used. Using the patient’s immunization history, health care providers should assess for all routinely recommended vaccines as well as any vaccines that are indicated based on existing medical condition(s), occupation, or other risk factors. The patient’s immunization status should be reviewed at every health care visit. Health care professionals should be knowledgeable about appropriate techniques to prepare and care for patients when administering vaccines. Once initial training has been completed, accountability checks should be in place to ensure staff follow all vaccine administration policies and procedures. Training should also be offered to temporary staff who may be filling in on days when the facility is short-staffed or helping during peak periods of vaccine administration such as influenza season. In addition, health care professionals should receive educational updates as needed, such as when vaccine administration recommendations are updated or when new vaccines are added to the facility’s inventory. Training, including an observation component, should be integrated into health care professionals’ education programs including orientation for new staff and annual continuing education requirements for all staff. All health care professionals should receive comprehensive, competency-based training before administering vaccines. Policies should be in place to validate health care professional’s knowledge of, and skills in, vaccine administration.
Liquid notes for live in action professional#
Professional standards for medication administration, manufacturer instructions, and organizational policies and procedures should always be followed when applicable.
Liquid notes for live in action series#
Administration involves a series of actions: assessing patient vaccination status and determining needed vaccines, screening for contraindications and precautions, educating patients, preparing and administering vaccines properly, and documenting the vaccines administered. This chapter summarizes best practices related to vaccine administration, a key factor in ensuring vaccination is as safe and effective as possible.

Patient Care after Vaccine Administration.Educate Patients or Parents about Needed Vaccines.

