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Vaccine Administration
Proper vaccine administration is critical to ensure that vaccination is safe and effective. CDC recommends that all health care personnel who administer vaccines receive comprehensive, competency-based training on vaccine administration policies and procedures BEFORE administering vaccines. Comprehensive, skills-based training should be integrated into existing staff education programs such as new staff orientation and annual education requirements. A free vaccine administration e-Learn is available that offers continuing education for health care personnel, including CME, CNE, CEU, CPE, CPH, and CHES.
Reviewing and assessing a patient’s immunization history should be done at every health care visit to help determine which vaccines may be needed.
Use the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) immunization schedule to determine what recommended vaccines are needed based on the patient’s immunization history.
Screening for contraindications and precautions can prevent adverse events following vaccination. All patients should be screened for contraindications and precautions prior to administering any vaccine, even if the patient has previously received that vaccine.
Health care professionals should be prepared to provide comprehensive vaccine information.
Proper preparation is critical for maintaining the integrity of the vaccine during transfer from the vial to the syringe.
Each vaccine has a recommended administration route and site, which are based on clinical trials, practical experience, and theoretical considerations.
Health care providers are required by law to record certain information in a patient’s medical record.
Guidance for assisting with jurisdictional planning and implementation of satellite, temporary, or off-site vaccination clinics by public and private vaccination organizations. The guidance focuses on clinical considerations for planning a vaccination clinic, including vaccine storage, handling, administration, and documentation.
Access web-based trainings, videos, checklists, and references related to vaccine administration.
A self-paced vaccine administration course that provides comprehensive training using videos, job aids, and other resources