Pediatricians and other pediatric clinicians play a crucial role in promoting and providing influenza vaccination to children and adolescents. Consider the following when administering vaccines during a vaccination clinic/vaccine-only event.

Intake Patient

  • Check patient in and ensure completeness of pre-visit information (eg, consent forms, or any other forms your practice requires).
  • Screen for contraindications and precautions prior to vaccination. Consult with the on-site pediatrician about any potential contraindications or precautions.
  • Advise patient or parent/caregiver to loosen or remove clothing to expose the injection site if needed.
  • Collect any necessary forms for child care or school that need to be completed.
  • Share the appropriate Vaccine Information Statement(s) (VIS) before vaccine is administered, which is required by law. Review the AAP page on Vaccine Information Statements & Liability and refer to the CDC page on Vaccine Information Statements for additional information.

Administer Vaccine

  • Consider using strategies and techniques to minimize injection pain and anxiety among children and adolescents prior to vaccination to help prevent distress, fear of needles and subsequent health care avoidance behaviors. Pediatric practices should foster a positive vaccination experience to help maintain and promote trust in health care providers.
  • Confirm the vaccine product to be administered and ensure the patient is receiving vaccine from the correct stock, either private purchase or public (VFC) vaccine.
  • Make sure the 7 Rights of Vaccine Administration are completed and correct before administering the vaccine.
  • Administer the vaccine.
  • Document the vaccine and required information (eg, vaccine manufacturer, lot number and date of administration; date VIS provided; site and route of administration) in the patient’s medical record.
  • Provide families with the needed forms and documentation to show completion of vaccination for schools, daycares and other education settings.

Refer to the CDC page on Vaccine Administration Protocols for additional information.

Monitor for Vaccine Reactions

  • Consider monitoring the patient for at least 15 minutes seated or lying down after vaccination to avoid the risk of fall if syncope occurs. For more information, see the Red Book chapter on Vaccine Safety.
  • Ensure emergency equipment is easily accessible.
  • Record any adverse reactions in the patient’s record and to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Complete Post-Clinic Activities

  • Properly store any remaining vaccines according to the ACIP Storage and Handling Guidelines for Immunization.
  • Submit information on vaccines administered to the Immunization Information System (IIS).
  • Summarize clinic outcomes and lessons learned. Debrief with the clinic team on barriers and challenges faced, and how they can be addressed for the next clinic.
  • Reflect on questions and feedback from patients and parents/caregivers to help prepare for the next season.

Additional Resources:

 

Last Updated

08/30/2022

Source

American Academy of Pediatrics