Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process to Immunization Services
Below are the steps, along with helpful resources, describing the process to providing immunization services. This guidance is consistent with the National Vaccine Advisory Committee and CDC Standards for Adult Immunization Practice.
1. Collect patient information to screen for contraindications and indications. Sources of information include immunization registry records, patient records, and patient-provided information.
2. Assess immunization needs based on patient’s age, health conditions, lifestyle, occupation, and immunization history.
3. Develop a patient-centered care plan that includes giving a strong recommendation and offering of vaccine(s) or referral to another health care provider who can administer the vaccine(s), as appropriate.
4. Implement the care plan by administering the vaccine (or refer, if applicable). Record vaccine administered in pharmacy records and California Immunization Registry (CAIR) (if not submitting data electronically). Provide the patient with Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) and immunization documentation. Notify primary care provider (if known) or prenatal care provider (if applicable) of vaccine(s) administered.
- Immunization Record
- Vaccine Information Statements (CDC)
- Job Aid for Immunization Dose, Route, Site, and Needle Size (IAC)
- California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
- 50+? Protect Against Shingles!
- You May be at High-Risk for Pneumonia Flyer for Adults | Spanish
- Expecting? Protect Yourself and Your Baby Against Flu and Whooping Cough flyer | Spanish | Chinese
- Additional Patient Education Resources
5. Follow up with patient by monitoring for syncope or adverse reactions. Let patient know of any subsequent vaccine doses needed.
- Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Adult Patients (IAC)
- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
- Vaccine Errors Reporting Program (VERP)
Additional Resources
- Recommendations for Pharmacist-based Immunizations during COVID-19 (CPhA)
- Prenatal Tdap/Flu Vaccination Aisle Violator (4”x5”)
- Template Pharmacist to Prenatal Care Provider Letter to Increase Prenatal Tdap/Flu Vaccination
- Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommendations (CDC)
- California State Board of Pharmacy Regulation: Pharmacists Initiating and Administering Vaccines
- Pharmacies and the California Immunization Registry (CAIR)
- Subscribe to CDPH Immunization Updates
- Instructions for the use of Vaccine Information Statements (CDC)
- Flu Season Information (CDC)
- Storage and Handling Job Aids
- Vaccine Shortages and Delays (CDC)
- Vaccine Product Information (FDA)
- Vaccine Recalls (FDA)
- Vaccine Abbreviations (CDC)
- Eligibility Poster