EXAMPLE PROCESS TO IMPROVE VACCINATION RATES

1. Day prior to scheduled appointment: a. look up vaccine record in chart and OSIIS. b. Identify any late or missing vaccinations needed. c. Add/edit appointment note as a reminder to nurse/provider to have a conversation about vaccinations. d. Check supply and inventory to see if the needed vaccines are in stock.

2. Day of appointment: a. Provide patient with a copy of vaccine record with highlighted missing or late vaccinations. b. “It looks like you are needing a Tdap vaccine today, do you have a preference on what arm you want us to use today?” Try not to ask, “Do you want your Tdap vaccination today?” People rarely desire a vaccine, and if we word it in this way sometimes it helps encourage our patients to get caught up on their vaccination schedule. c. Some patients come in sick and might not feel comfortable getting their vaccination while they are sick. If they decline, no worry! Offer to schedule a f/u nurse visit in 5-10 business days. If they schedule before they leave, they are more likely to follow through with the appointment. This helps us catch those kiddos that are occasionally in our clinic or only come for sick visits. Encourage them to schedule a well child visit once they are well. If they see a pediatrician for well child visits, please still encourage them to come back for a nurse/vaccine visit. WHY? Occasionally pediatricians’ offices out of vaccines or have a limited supply. If a child misses a dose, it impacts their entire vaccine schedule, and catch-up schedules can be confusing. ALSO! Most health departments are walk-in only for VFC vaccine. This is a barrier for parents. Some parents are not willing or do not have transportation or the resources to sit and wait. We can help fill that gap and meet the need. Encourage parents (or individuals) to schedule a nurse/vaccine visit before leaving the clinic. d. If parents or individuals want to alter the CDC vaccine schedule, it is ultimately up to them and their medical provider. Remind parents and patients that a lot of research goes into developing a vaccine schedule. They are spaced strategically to promote the best possible immune system response and outcome. e. If patient receives a vaccine, insert the vaccine into OSIIS (all patients). Provide patient with a copy of the UTD vaccine record, highlight dates for future immunizations, and encourage them to schedule next vaccine appointment before they leave.

3. Weekly M&E: a. Complete vaccine count and inventory. b. Order vaccines as needed.

4. Monthly M&E: a. Reconcile vaccine the first week of each month. b. Upload temp logs. c. Run Reports i. Number of vaccines administered/dosage report. ii. Number of missed opportunities. iii. Immunization rates.