Strategies to prevent errors related to RSV immunizations
| Errors with age-specific formulation Highlight immunization packaging to denote product differences Store immunizations in separate containers by type and formulation Store look-alike products in different areas of the storage unit (eg, pediatric and adult formulations on different shelves) Use color-coded labels to differentiate pediatric and adult formulations Use vaccine order sets to guide providers to select the appropriate product by age |
| Errors with vaccine preparation Denote vaccines that require preparation (eg, dilution, reconstitution) prior to administration Establish process to keep 2-component vaccines together Use vaccine diluent supplied by the manufacturer, do not interchange vaccine diluents Clearly label diluents to prevent inadvertent administration of diluent only Prepare immunizations for 1 patient at a time Label prepared syringes with vaccine name and expiration date Keep reference materials for each vaccine product in the vaccine preparation area |
| Errors with vaccine storage and handling Rotate vaccine stock to use earliest-expiring products first Routinely check for expired product and remove expired vaccines and diluents from vaccine storage units |
| Errors with immunization administration Prepare and administer immunizations 1 patient at a time Verify patient’s identity using 2 unique identifiers Involve the patient or family member in verification process |
| Errors due to vaccine nomenclature Use ACIP-approved terminology or abbreviations when referring to immunization products Order products with look-alike names using brand names |
| Errors due to education and training Require baseline and ongoing comprehensive training on vaccine storage, handling, and administration for all staff Provide education when new immunizations are added to clinic inventory or when recommendations have changed Keep reference materials on vaccine preparation and administration recommendations in medication preparation area Distinguish between RSV vaccine and RSV antibody when discussing RSV prevention strategies Require baseline and ongoing education and training for vaccine providers handling immunizations |