Vaccine Errors and How to Prevent Them

Effective management and control of vaccinations in an office based practice is essential. Recent reports of mis-administration of various vaccines has prompted us to ask you to review your vaccine administration protocol and ensure the understanding of the clinical staff administering these vaccines.

• Make sure the refrigeration equipment is compatible with the storage guidelines noted in the vaccine package inserts
• Monitor and record refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice daily
• Develop and maintain an emergency vaccine retrieval and storage plan in the event of equipment malfunction and power outages
• Open only one vial of a vaccine at a time
• Rotate your stock and check expiration dates weekly and before any administrations
• Consider manufacturer supplied pre-filled syringes in situations of heavy use of a single vaccine
• Ensure your staff is adequately trained on administering vaccines to include vaccine names, trade or generic, proper dosing, pediatric vs. adult, and route of administration
• All vaccine vials should be checked three (3) times before dosing and administration
• Pay close attention when scheduling vaccines and consult the CDC to ensure your scheduling protocols are current. Some State immunization schedules follow a stricter schedule and should be consulted as well.

CDC Vaccine Age Interval Table

• All vaccine providers are required by the National Vaccine Childhood Injury Act (NCVIA) to give every patient child or adult, or their legal guardian, a copy of the Vaccination Information Sheet (VIS) prior to administration.
• Make sure your VISs are the most current version

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/index.html