- What are the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice?
- How do I ensure my adult patients are fully immunized?
- What tools are available to help me improve my immunization rates?
- Additional Resources
What are the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice?
The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) calls on ALL healthcare professionals – whether they provide vaccinations or not – to take steps to help ensure that their adult patients are fully immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Please review the Standards for Adult Immunization Practice (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
How do I ensure my adult patients are fully immunized?
Use this memory aid to help you keep adult patients up to date on their vaccinations.
Adults Require Really Amazing Doctors!
Adults – Assess
- Assess the immunization status of all your patients at every clinical encounter.
- Stay informed on the latest CDC Adult Immunization Schedule.
- Evaluate your practice to see whether your patients are receiving needed vaccines.
- Use reminders to help your practice stay on top of needed vaccines.
Require – Recommend
- Make strong and clear recommendations for vaccines that your patients need.
- Clear recommendations follow the SHARE framework: Share, Highlight, Address, Remind and Explain.
Really Amazing – Administer or Refer
- Administer needed vaccines or refer your patient to a vaccination provider.
- Recommend and offer vaccines at the same visit.
- Implement standing orders or protocols.
- Refer patients to providers in the area that offer vaccines that you don't stock.
Doctors! – Document
- Document all vaccines received by your patients in their medical records and in immunization information systems (IIS)
- Participate in the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS).
- Follow up with patients you referred to confirm they received vaccines.
What tools are available to help me improve my immunization rates?
- Use the state vaccine registry, the Washington State Immunization Information System (WAIIS), to track immunization records for all of your patients.
- Despite many patient and physician barriers to adult vaccinations, rates can be improved, often with simple interventions such as patient reminders and recalls (PDF), standing orders, and vaccine resources.
- Your clinic can print these co-brandable immunization reminder/recall cards from the Department of Health (DOH) in both English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF). You can also order free materials from DOH using these instructions: How to Order Immunization Materials (PDF). If you have trouble ordering or need help with a different file format, email immunematerials@doh.wa.gov.
- Use videos or posters highlighting adult vaccinations in your waiting room, preferably personalized. Many resources are available online!
- Consider a patient self-assessment at check in like the Immunize.org's Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Vaccines for Adults (PDF) - 2 pages
- The Washington State Adult Vaccine Program is federally funded and provides vaccines for adults 19 years of age and older who are uninsured or underinsured. Providers can learn all about the program and its requirements. Vaccines are available for providers to order typically between June and July of each year.
- Vaccines.gov is a free, online service where users can search for locations that offer vaccinations. They work with partners such as clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about vaccination services. Any provider or clinic that wants their location to be open to the public to get vaccinations can be added to this website.
Additional Resources
- Resources for long-term care facilities
- Strategies for increasing adult vaccination rates (CDC)
- ACP's I Raise the Rates Initiative (American College of Physicians)
- Resources for adult vaccination (Immunize.org)
- Suggestions to improve your immunization services (PDF) (Immunize.org)