Vaccine Administration & Tracking

Appropriate vaccine administration is a key element to ensuring the optimal safety and efficacy of vaccines. Vaccine administration practices are based on clinical trials that determine the dose, route and schedule for each vaccine. Professional standards for medication and vaccine administration and federal/provincial/territorial policies and procedures, where these exist, also guide vaccination practices.

Pre-vaccination counseling: Prior to vaccination, the vaccine provider should ensure that the vaccine recipient is capable of consenting to the procedure or that, when required, an appropriate guardian or substitute decision maker is present to give consent. Information regarding the risks and benefits of both receiving and not receiving the vaccination should be provided, along with the opportunity to ask questions. Minor side effects that occur frequently and any adverse effects that are severe should be discussed with the individual, guardian or substitute decision maker. This person should be asked about all relevant contraindications and precautions to receiving the vaccine. Care should be taken to determine whether there is a risk of anaphylaxis, such as previous anaphylaxis or severe allergy to any of the vaccine components or latex, if contained in the vaccine products.

• The Baton Rouge Clinic Participates in LINKS (Louisiana Immunization Network for Kids Statewide), a statewide program that tracks immunizations for all Louisiana Children