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\nThe 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:
\nTo achieve the best possible results from vaccines, carefully follow the recommendations for storage, handling, and administration found in each vaccine\u2019s package insert. Here are other steps you can take to help ensure vaccine safety:
\nConsult the vaccine storage and handling page that has many resources along with the learning tool: Storage and Handling Toolkit.
\nConsult the vaccine administration page for more resources.
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\nThe 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.
\nPlease note:
\nConsult the printable catch-up schedule and a downloadable tool that helps calculate missed or skipped immunizations.
\nContraindications 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.
\nOne 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.
\nMany conditions are often inappropriately regarded as contraindications to vaccination. In most cases, the following are not contraindications:
\nWhile 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.
\nBefore 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\u2019s 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\u2019s chart. Current VISs are available on CDC\u2019s Vaccine Information Statements page. Translations in over 40 languages are available on the Immunization Action Coalitions site.
\nOther 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:
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\nMost 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.
\nThe 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.
\nThe 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.
\nBy 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.
\nMore information about VAERS, including reporting forms, can be obtained by visiting VAERS or calling VAERS at 800-822-7967.
\nFor 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).
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