Prior to Vaccination

Assess the client’s current health status.

• Is the client pregnant?
• Is the client immunocompromised or immunosuppressed? Does the client have any acute or chronic immunocompromising conditions including HIV?
• Is there a (suspected) family history of congenital immunodeficiency disorder? (e.g., has the child had failure to thrive and recurrent serious infections?)
• Has the client taken any immunosuppressants, including corticosteroids, in the past 3 months or during a current pregnancy?
• Has the client received any blood transfusions or blood products in the last year?

Discuss benefits and risks of receiving or not receiving the vaccine.

• Has information been provided regarding administration of the vaccine?
• Have all questions about benefits and risks been answered completely?

Assess for contraindications and precautions.

• Does the client have a history of anaphylactic reaction to vaccines or a component of a vaccine?
• Does the client have severe asthma?
• Does the client have congenital malformation of the GI tract or history of intussusception (for rotavirus vaccine)?
• Has the client had Guillain-Barré syndrome with an onset within 6 weeks of immunization?
• Is the client immunocompromised?
• Is the client pregnant?
• Does the client have active, untreated tuberculosis?

Note: Health professionals need to inform themselves of contraindications for each vaccine respectively. Also assess for client’s health status including age, comorbid conditions, risk factors and travel plans .

Evaluate reactions to previous vaccines.

• Has the client ever had a serious reaction (anaphylactic reaction) after receiving a vaccine or is the client aware of any allergies to components of the vaccine (e.g., gelatin, neomycin, thimerosol) or to latex?

Discuss frequently occurring minor adverse events and potential rare severe adverse events.

• Have you talked to your client about what to do if they experience an adverse event?
• Are you able to identify types of adverse events (e.g., injection site, systemic, allergic, neurological, and other reactions) that require reporting?
• Have you familiarized yourself with the most likely timing of these events?

The right client, informed consent, and contraindications

• Have I confirmed the client’s name and date of birth (DOB)?
• In the case of a substitute decision maker (SDM), have I learned their relationship to the client?
• Is it appropriate for the SDM to provide consent?
• Why am I giving this vaccine?
• What is the client’s immunization history?
• Have I ensured the client meets the criteria?
• Have I verified contraindications, drug interactions, and precautions?
• Have I asked about history of allergy and anaphylaxis?

The right age

• How old is the client and when should they receive the vaccine?
• Have I followed the vaccine schedule?

The right vaccine or diluent

• Am I giving the right vaccine?
• Does the vaccine need to be reconstituted?

If reconstituting:

• Am I using the right diluent provided by the manufacturer?
• Has the vaccine been appropriately reconstituted/mixed?
• If applicable, have I achieved a uniform suspension?
• Have I maintained asepsis when reconstituting and drawing the vaccine into the syringe?

The right dose

• Do I know the client’s weight?
• Is the dosage appropriate for the client?

The right interval

• Have I checked the client’s vaccination history?
• Do I know when they last received a live-attenuated vaccine?

The right route, needle length, and technique

• Do I know the client’s age?
• Have I selected the proper needle length and gauge?
• Have I verified the right route for administration?
• Does the client have significant nasal congestion if administering intranasal vaccine?

The right site

• Have I considered the client’s preference?
• Have I assessed the client’s injection site for appropriateness?

The right time

• Is now the best time to give the vaccine?
• Can I reduce the number of visits for the client?
• Is the client eligible for a vaccine given their current health status?
• Can I use this opportunity to update the client’s immunization status?

The right storage

• Have I verified the identification label of the vial?
• Have I checked that the vaccine was stored properly?
• Have I checked the expiry date?
• Have I checked the lot number?
• Is the vaccine in the original packaging?
• Does the vial have any irregularities, damage, or noticeable contamination?

The right comfort

• Have I properly ensured comfort for the client?
• Have I given the client and/or caregiver instructions to reduce pain and/or anxiety?
• Have I assessed for anxiety and/or concern?

The right documentation

• Have I properly documented the vaccination, site, lot number, and expiry date?
• Did I give the client a copy of the vaccination for their own records?
• Did I notify the client about watching for side effects and who to notify if they have any?