Tips to Increase Vaccinations
March 28, 2019
By Amber Rogers, RN, MSN
An important part of what you do is making sure vaccines reach all your patients who need them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends health care professionals
- ASSESS immunization status at every visit;
- strongly RECOMMEND needed vaccinations;
- ADMINISTER vaccinations or REFER to an immunization provider;
- DOCUMENT vaccinations.
In addition to following these recommendations, there are a few key steps you can implement to improve vaccination rates in your practice:
- Nominate a vaccination coordinator in your office to update staff, maintain and protect your vaccine supply and maintain vaccination best practices.
- Give your patients a vaccine questionnaire at check-in.
- Use presumptive recommendations when discussing vaccinations. This establishes that vaccination is normal and expected. If patients/parents are hesitant, move into motivational interviewing.
- Use standing orders.
- Send patient reminder postcards.
- Administer vaccinations at the end of the visit.
- Ensure vaccinations are tracked accurately in your electronic health record (EHR).
- Bill appropriately. Ensure you are billing for both the vaccine and the vaccine administration using the correct codes.
Mountain-Pacific Quality Health is here to help! If you have any questions related to vaccination practices in your clinic, please email Amber Rogers at arogers@mpqhf.org.
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