Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search


Español  Other Languages


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
 Search
		×
			Vaccines site
			Vaccines site
				All CDC
				Submit
			For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
			Advanced Search
		Advanced Search


Healthcare Providers / Professionals








Provider’s Role: Importance of Vaccine Administration and Vaccine Storage & Handling						Print
																Related Pages
										On This Page
			Vaccine Storage and AdministrationTiming and SpacingObserve Valid Contraindications and PrecautionsCommunicate About Vaccine Benefits and RisksBe Prepared to Manage Vaccine Side EffectsReport Suspected Side Effects to VAERS
		
Recommendations and Guidelines
The United States currently has the safest, most effective vaccines in its history. Federal regulations require that vaccines undergo years of testing before they can be licensed. Once in use, vaccines are monitored continually for safety and efficacy. As an immunization provider, you also play a key role in helping to ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines through proper:
Vaccine storage and handling
Vaccine administration
Timing and spacing of vaccine doses
Observation of precautions and contraindications
Management of vaccine side effects
Reporting of suspected side effects
Communication about vaccine benefits and risks
Standards for Immunization Practices for children and adolescents and adultsVaccine Storage and Administration
To achieve the best possible results from vaccines, carefully follow the recommendations for storage, handling, and administration found in each vaccine’s package insert. Here are other steps you can take to help ensure vaccine safety:
Storage
Carefully select and use the proper vaccine storage units to store vaccines.
Have a properly calibrated thermometer or temperature recording device inside each storage compartment.
Evaluate your cold chain procedures to ensure that vaccine storage and handling guidelines are being followed.
Inspect vaccines upon delivery and monitor refrigerator and freezer temperatures to assure maintenance of the cold chain.
Rotate vaccine stock so the oldest vaccines are used first.
If errors in vaccine storage and administration occur, take corrective action immediately to prevent them from happening again and notify public health authorities.Consult the vaccine storage and handling page that has many resources along with the learning tool: Storage and Handling Toolkit.
Administration
Never administer a vaccine later than the expiration date.
Administer vaccines within the prescribed time periods following reconstitution.
Wait to draw vaccines into syringes until immediately prior to administration.
Never mix vaccines in the same syringe unless they are specifically approved for mixing by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Record vaccine and administration information, including lot numbers and injection sites, in the patient’s record.Consult the vaccine administration page for more resources.
Top of Page
Timing and Spacing
The timing and spacing of vaccine doses are two of the most important issues in the appropriate use of vaccines. To ensure optimal results from each immunization, follow the currently recommended immunization schedules for children, adolescents and adults. The recommended childhood immunization schedule and influenza immunization recommendations are updated each year.
Please note:
Administering all needed vaccines at the recommended ages, even if it means giving multiple doses during the same visit, is important because it increases the likelihood that children will be fully immunized as recommended. Studies have shown that vaccines are as effective when administered simultaneously as they are individually and carry no greater risk for adverse side effects.
The use of a combination vaccine is generally preferred over separate injections of its equivalent component vaccines.  Considerations should include provider assessment, patient preference, and the potential for adverse events. Administration of separate vaccines when combinations are available results in more discomfort for the patient.
Some vaccines, like pediatric diphtheria and tetanus, produce increased rates of side effects when given too frequently. Good record keeping, maintaining careful patient histories, and adherence to recommended schedules can decrease the chances that patients receive extra doses of vaccines.Consult the printable catch-up schedule and a downloadable tool that helps calculate missed or skipped immunizations.
Observe Valid Contraindications and Precautions
Contraindications and precautions to vaccination indicate when vaccines should not be given. A contraindication is a condition in a patient that increases the chance of a serious, adverse reaction. In general, a vaccine should not be administered when a contraindication is present. A precaution is a condition in a patient that *may*increase the chance of a serious side effect or render a vaccine less effective. Normally, vaccination is deferred when a precaution is present. However, situations may arise when the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risk of a side effect, and the provider may decide to vaccinate the patient. Most precautions and some contraindications are temporary and the vaccine may be given at a later time. For details, consult the CDC Guide to Contraindications to Childhood Vaccinations.
One key to preventing serious adverse reactions to vaccines is screening for contraindications and precautions. Every provider who administers vaccines should screen every patient before giving a vaccine dose. Sample screening questionnaires are available from the Immunization Action Coalition site.
Many conditions are often inappropriately regarded as contraindications to vaccination. In most cases, the following are **not** contraindications:
Mild acute illness (e.g., diarrhea and minor upper-respiratory tract illnesses, including otitis media) with or without low grade fever
Mild to moderate local reactions and/or low grade or moderate fever following a prior dose of the vaccine
Current antimicrobial therapy
Convalescent phase of illness
Recent exposure to an infectious disease
Preterm birth
BreastfeedingCommunicate About Vaccine Benefits and Risks
While you can do a number of things to help make vaccines as safe and effective as possible, providing patients or parents/guardians with information about vaccines and immunization is equally important.
Before you administer **each dose** of certain vaccines, you are required by law to provide a copy of the most current **Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)** to either the adult being vaccinated or to the child’s parent/legal representative. VISs are developed by the CDC and discuss the benefits and risks associated with specific vaccines. You must also record the date that the VIS was given and the publication date of the VIS in the patient’s chart. Current VISs are available on CDC’s Vaccine Information Statements page. Translations in over 40 languages are available on the Immunization Action Coalitions site.
Other materials such as brochures, videos, and resource kits can assist you in communicating with patients or parents about vaccine benefits and risks. Parents can also be referred to credible Internet and hotline resources, such as:
Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents
CDC’s Information Contact Center 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636 (English and Español).Top of Page
Be Prepared to Manage Vaccine Side Effects
Most people experience no side effects, or only mild ones, following immunization. Mild side effects may include soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site or mild fever. Severe side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, following vaccination are extremely rare. However, any provider who administers vaccines should have procedures in place for the emergency care of a person who experiences an anaphylactic reaction. Epinephrine and equipment for maintaining an airway should be available for immediate use. All vaccine providers should be familiar with the office emergency plan, and should be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Report Suspected Side Effects to VAERS
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety monitoring program. VAERS collects information about adverse events (possible side effects) that occur after administration of U.S. licensed vaccines.
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act requires healthcare providers to report selected events occurring after vaccination to VAERS. However, VAERS encourages reporting of *any* clinically significant adverse event that occurs after administration of *any* vaccine licensed in the United States, **even if it is not certain** that the vaccine caused the event.
By reporting possible vaccine side effects to VAERS, you provide valuable information that is needed for the ongoing evaluation of vaccine safety. The CDC and FDA use VAERS information to ensure the safest strategies of vaccine use and to further reduce the rare risks associated with vaccines.
More information about VAERS, including reporting forms, can be obtained by visiting VAERS or calling VAERS at 800-822-7967.
For more information about the topics covered here see the General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization: Best Practices Guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Top of PageRelated PagesVaccine Administration and Storage and Handling Resources Guide [1 page]
Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents
Patient Education Materials
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  April 5, 2019						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
					Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate homeHealthcare Professionals / Providers Home
Clinical Resourcesplus icon
Immunization Schedules
ACIP Recommendations
Standards for Adult Practices
Pink Book
Vaccine Shortages
Traveler Vaccine Recommendations
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
Pediatric Vaccination Practices During COVID-19
Resources for Healthcare Providers
Administration Toolsplus icon
Vaccine Storage & Handlingplus icon
Storage and Handling Resources
Storage and Handling Toolkit
You Call The Shots: Vaccine Storage and Handling
Vaccine Administrationplus icon
Review Immunization History
Assess for Needed Immunizations
Screen for Contraindications and Precautions
Educate the Patient
Prepare the Vaccine(s)
Administer the Vaccine(s)
Document the Vaccination(s)
Resource Library
Vaccines for Children (VFC)plus icon
Price list
ACIP-VFC Vaccine Resolutions
VFC Program
VIS
Reminder Systems and Strategies
Patient Educationplus icon
Educating Patientsplus icon
Easy-to-Read Recommended Immunization Schedules
Resources for Conversations with Parents
Resources for Parents of Infants and Toddlers
Resources for Parents of Preteens and Teens
Resources for College Students, Young Adults, and Adults
Resources for Pregnant Women
Patient Education Materials
Parents Who Question Vaccinesplus icon
Understanding Risks & Responsibilities, If You Choose Not to Vaccinate
Talking with Parents about Vaccines for Infants
Talking to Parents about Vaccines
Vaccine Safetyplus icon
Understanding Vaccines and Vaccine Safety
Thimerosal
Multiple Vaccines
HPV Vaccine Safety
Fainting
CDC Vaccine Safety website
Vaccination Materials in Spanish
Immunization Training
Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Vaccines & Immunizations


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue