To improve the quality of immunization delivery, vaccine needs assessments and standards should be implemented to ensure patients are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. These assessments seek to minimize missed opportunities and ensure patients are adequately educated about vaccine risks and benefits.
Some of the more critical vaccine assessments and standards for practices to consider include:
- Make sure checking vaccine history for your patients is part of your pre-visit checklist.
- Implement standing vaccine orders or protocols https://www.immunize.org/standing-orders/
- Utilize EMR alerts to remind patients when vaccinations are due, or recalling them if they are overdue for specific vaccines (contact your current EMR provider to implement appropriate vaccine alerts).
For more information and resources about adult immunizations visit the CDC website.