What to know
Vaccine administration starts with a series of actions that happen before a vaccine is given. Health care professionals can use the following information to prepare and care for patients before administering vaccines.
Vaccination History
Review Vaccination History and Assess for Recommended Vaccines
Review every patient's vaccination history at every health care visit to assess for needed vaccines. This should be done during both routine checkups and acute care visits.
Vaccination histories can be found in medical records, personal vaccination record cards, immunization information systems (IISs), or immunization registries.
Providers should only accept written, dated records as evidence of vaccination, with the exception of COVID-19 vaccine, influenza vaccine, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), and polio vaccine (for people who are 18 years of age and older). Self-reported doses of these vaccines are acceptable. That said, vaccinations should not be postponed if records are not available.
After reviewing the patient's vaccination history, use the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) immunization schedule to:
- Review what recommended vaccines are needed based on the patient's age and vaccination history. This should include a review for any missed doses.
- Determine if additional vaccines are indicated based on the patient's health status, occupation, or other risk factors.
An IIS, if available, can help determine if immunizations are due that day.
Screen for Contraindications & Precautions
Screening helps prevent adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Always screen patients for contraindications and precautions before a vaccine is administered. A patient's health status or the recommendations for contraindications and precautions may have changed since the last dose was given.
Use a standardized screening tool to promote correct and consistent screening practices.
CDC and partner organizations offer the following resources to help you with these screenings:
- Screening Checklists for Children, Teens and Adults
Educate the Parent or Patient
Many factors can affect someone's decision to get vaccinated. Start taking about vaccines early and be prepared to provide:
- Clear, consistent answers to your patients' questions.
- Patient-focused vaccine information, web links, and resources.
- An appropriate vaccine information statement (VIS), information sheets produced by CDC that explain the benefits and risks of a vaccine.
- Strategies to reduce pain during vaccination.
- After-care instructions that include when to seek medical attention and offer strategies to decrease side effects such as injection site pain, fever, or fussiness.