Module 10 - Documentation

Question 1

Is there a National Immunization Registry implemented in Canada right now?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

What would a National Immunization Registry provide?

Answer 2

Pretty much everyone’s vaccination history and activity would be uploaded to one spot.

• enhance surveillance of immunization coverage rates
• facilitate transfer and access to immunization records
• measure progress towards meeting immunization goals and objectives
• facilitate surveillance of adverse events following vaccinations
• it would prevent patients from getting extra doses of vaccines that have already been given by another HCP
• identify people who are overdue for vaccines
• allow for convenient sharing of immunization data between HCPs

Question 3

Why is it important to document vaccines diligently ?

Answer 3

• avoid patients getting extra doses
• it helps us to know exactly how many people are being immunized
• it’s important to record vaccinations and their adverse effects
• important to record lot numbers in case of recalls

Question 4

What 3 places should vaccinations be recorded?

Answer 4

1) The patient’s own records
2) The immunizer’s records
3) Provincial or local registry (if one exists)

Question 5

What exactly needs to be recorded after an immunization? (9 things)

Answer 5

1) trade name of the product
2) disease against which it protects
3) date given (day, month, and year)
4) dose
5) site and route of administration
6) manufacturer
7) lot number
8) name and title of immunizer
9) any post-injection reactions observed, how they were managed, and planned follow-ups

Question 6

Do you need to document when a scheduled immunization is not administered ?

Answer 6

Yes - record the reason for not immunizing as well as a planned follow up

Question 7

Why is the lot number a crucial component for documentation?

Answer 7

• in case there is a recall on a particular batch of vaccines
• it acts as another method to identify the immunization given
• it’s a crucial component of any adverse event following immunization (AEFI) report

Question 8

List some immunization errors

Answer 8

Wrong:

• vaccine type
• dose
• site
• route
• person
• time or schedule
• diluent

Question 9

What’s an example of an immunization-related incident?

Answer 9

• needle stick injury caused by squirmy children
• immunization without consent
• injury resulting from fainting or falling

Question 10

What is the most common vaccine error?

Answer 10

administering the wrong drug

Question 11

Do immunizers have to report vaccine errors?

Answer 11

you bet