BACKGROUND:
The complexity of maintaining accurate immunization records has been exacerbated by the increasing number of vaccinations given, new combinations, varying tradenames, Federal requirements, and the constant movement of patients within the health care system. While the development of registries and anticipation of their universal use will eventually help in the management of this information, a system of appropriate documentation and maintenance of written vaccination information is essential for today’s practitioner.

OBJECTIVE:
To identify tools to help in the proper recording of immunization information.

METHOD:
The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) has developed various tools to assist in the recording of immunizations, including the “Vaccine Administration Record for Children and Teens”; the “Vaccine Administration Record for Adults,” a tip sheet titled “How to Use the Vaccine Administration Records”, “Adult Immunization Record” cards, and several tables to help interpret foreign immunization records –“Vaccines and Biologics Used in U.S. and Foreign Markets,” “Translation of Vaccine-Related Terms in English,” and “Quick Chart of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Terms in Multiple Languages.”

RESULT:
An array of effective tools are available to assist providers in properly documenting their patients’ immunization encounters. These tools are available on the IAC website and have been extremely popular with providers and others.

CONCLUSION:
Providers need tools to help know how to properly interpret or record vaccinations given, to comply with Federal law, and to avoid missed opportunities to vaccinate, as well as over-immunization. These tools are available from IAC.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Participants will better understand how to properly record vaccinations given to patients, including combination products; how to translate foreign vaccination records; how to interpret vaccine tradenames, including those from foreign markets; and what information is needed to comply with Federal law.