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CS HCVG15-ADU-133 07/26/2016

Vaccine Administration 

A Series on Standards for Adult Immunization Practice 

Take steps to improve vaccine administration in your 

office and better protect your patients from vaccinepreventable diseases. 

1. Assess patient vaccination status at every visit. 

U.S. vaccination rates are extremely low, and research shows that there 

are many missed opportunities for vaccination of adult patients during 

clinical encounters.

2. Recommend and offer vaccines at the same visit.

Research shows when patients receive a vaccine recommendation 

and are offered the vaccine at the same time, they are more likely to

get vaccinated. For vaccines you don’t stock, it is still critical to 

make the recommendation and then refer to another 

immunization provider.

See fact sheet 4 in this series for tips on referral.

3. Train and educate your staff on vaccine administration. 

Building your staff’s skills and confidence in vaccine administration can 

help improve vaccine delivery and ensure patient safety. 

4. Properly store and handle vaccines. 

This critical step can reduce wastage.

5. Distribute Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) to patients. 

Help your patients make informed decisions about vaccinations by 

providing them with up-to-date information about the benefits and 

potential risks for each vaccine they need. 

6. Ensure proper care for patients.

Minimize potential risks to your patients by following safety 

protocols such as having your patients sit or lie down while you 

administer vaccines. 

7. Follow standard precautions to control infection.

Minimize the risks of spreading disease when administering vaccines.

8. Be aware of and prepared for potential 

adverse reactions.

All vaccines have the potential to cause adverse reactions. 

Most are minor (e.g., itching, soreness) but severe reactions 

(e.g., anaphylaxis), while rare, can occur. Make sure you and 

your staff are prepared to handle severe reactions. 

U.S. vaccination 

rates for adults are 

extremely low.

For example:

• Only 20% of adults 19 years 

or older have received 

Tdap vaccination.

• Only 28% of adults 60 years 

or older have received zoster 

(shingles) vaccination.

• Only 20% of adults 19 to 64 

years old, at high risk, have 

received pneumococcal 

vaccination.

• Only 44% of adults 18 years 

or older had received flu 

vaccination during the 

2014–2015 flu season.

Sources: NHIS 2014 (MMWR 2016; 64(4)),

BRFSS 2014-2015 (www.cdc.gov/flu/fluvaxview)

For resources and tips on vaccine 

assessment, recommendation, 

referral, and documentation, visit:

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adultstandards 

Information Series for Healthcare Professionals

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/adultstandards 

DON’T WAIT.

VACCINATE! U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 
Resources to Help You and Your Staff Improve 

Vaccine Administration in Your Practice 

• CDC General Immunization Training 

Self-paced online trainings with free CE or CME credits, webcasts, and more: 

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ed/courses.html

• Immunization Skills Self-Assessment 

A tool for healthcare staff and supervisors to assess immunization skills and develop a plan of action to 

improve performance if needed: 

www.immunize.org/catg.d/p7010.pdf 

• Storage and Handling 

Training and guidance on proper vaccine storage and handling practices: 

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/storage

• Dose and Route Chart 

Dose, route, injection site, and needle size information for all adult vaccines: 

www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3084.pdf

• Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) 

Federal law requires that you provide VIS to patients prior to administering certain vaccines; however, it is a best 

practice to do so for all vaccines because the VIS explains both the vaccine benefits and risks to your patients. 

You can find print-ready VIS at: 

www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis

• Guide to Infection Prevention for Outpatient Care

A downloadable and printable guide on infection prevention including information regarding protective 

equipment and safe injection practices: 

www.cdc.gov/HAI/settings/outpatient/outpatient-care-guidelines.html

• Chart of Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Adult Patients

Procedures to follow if various adverse reactions occur: 

www.immunize.org/catg.d/p3082.pdf

• Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) 

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) requires healthcare providers to report certain adverse 

events that occur following vaccination. VAERS is a national reporting system that accepts reports on adverse 

events with vaccines licensed in the United States: 

www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/Activities/vaers.html 

Standing orders or protocols save time and reduce missed opportunities by authorizing nurses, 

pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals (where allowed by state law) to assess patient 

vaccine status and administer vaccinations without examination or direct order from the 

attending provider.

For sample standing orders, visit: www.immunize.org/standing-orders 

For more information and resources on adult immunization, 

visit: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults

Last updated May, 2016