Record Keeping, Administration, and Vaccine Storage
| This section provides instruction on immunization administration technique, record keeping forms to document vaccine administration and remind medical staff when vaccinations are needed, and tools and recommendations needed to properly store, handle and otherwise care for the vaccines in your possession. |
"The Vaccine Administration Record for Adults" is an immunization flow sheet used to account for vaccines given in the office. The type of vaccine given, date given, route of administration, vaccine lot number and manufacturer and publication date of the VIS (found on a lower corner of each VIS) can be recorded here. According to federal law, this information must be recorded in the patient's medical record. A pad of the "Vaccine Administration Record for Adults" is included in the Resource Guide for use to your patients' medical records.
The "Injectable Vaccine Administration for Adults" provides instruction on how to properly administer flu and pneumococcal vaccines to patients. On this form, information is given on what temperature to store the vaccine, the recommended route and site of administration, recommended needle length and gauge and contraindications vaccine administration.
Vaccines can become ineffective if they are not stored properly. The "Check List for Safe Vaccine Handling and Storage" lists 20 practical recommendations that can help in the office to ensure vaccines are maintained safely and remain viable. Assign one staff member and a backup to follow the guidelines and monitor the vaccine.
A common reason for vaccine wastage and vaccines not maintaining their effectiveness is because they are stored at improper temperatures. A sample of a temperature log is included to help medical staff monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures twice a day. Temperatures in the shaded areas tell the person monitoring the refrigerator and freezer that vaccine is being stored improperly. Flu vaccine is sensitive to extreme cold temperatures and can be rendered impotent if frozen. Immediate steps should be taken to bring the temperature within the acceptable range. If vaccine has been exposed to temperatures outside of the recommended range, the vaccine should not be used until the vaccine manufacturer has been contacted to help determine the viability of the vaccines. Flu vaccine that has been frozen should never be used.
A sample of a "Do Not Unplug" sign for the refrigerator is included. This should be placed on the refrigerator or by the electrical outlet to remind staff and others not to unplug the refrigerator because there are valuable vaccines inside.
