The CDC has a vaccine index that clearly outlines recommended vaccines based on age group, co-existing conditions, healthcare workers, international travel, and immigrants and refugees.. The CDCalso provides details on who should not be vaccinated.
The CDC includes a clinical & professional practice resource which provides insights on talking with patients about the importance of vaccines, provider requirements and support, interim clinical considerations, and Covid tracking and reporting systems. It also includes articles and guidelines for children as young as six months and older.
If you are feeling wary or overwhelmed with the number of sources and information about vaccinations, there are a few simple ways to spread the word about the importance of vaccinations. In addition to educating others, be transparent about the life cycle of a vaccine. The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases has an article on Evaluating Vaccine Safety, which might assist in easing any fears of the unknown about vaccines. Let your patients know that each vaccine has to undergo a series of clinical trials and reviews before it can be approved.
Are you interested in becoming a provider of the COVID-19 vaccine? Find more information and see if you qualify on the CDC’s How to Enroll page.
Last but not least, if you have been recently vaccinated take the time to document the date, and the type of vaccine you receive. If you are uncertain where such information should be kept, a spreadsheet or notebook should suffice just fine depending on if you prefer print or electronic format. For your patients, make sure their records are up to date in their file. If you are uncertain of your own previous vaccination records, check with your current or previous health care provider for records.
