Mark of Excellence
Mark of Excellence is a partnership with community vaccinators to respond to public concerns about safety of influenza vaccinations in outreach settings (grocery stores, retail sites, pharmacies, and drop-in clinics). As part of the program the MDH Immunization Program provides training and site visits to assure that vaccines provided outside of a regular clinic setting are handled and administered according to best practices. Mark of Excellence is a voluntary, quality assurance program. Certification is on an annual basis.
Goals
- Create a unique program just for community vaccinators.
- Provide training to community vaccinators who deliver influenza vaccine in non-traditional settings.
- Increase consumer confidence in influenza clinics in alternative or outreach settings.
Core components
-
Training
Includes information on the following:- Proper storage, handling, and transportation of vaccines
- Guidelines for documentation and administration
- Immunization practice information from the MN Boards of Nursing and Pharmacy
- Recommendations for influenza and pneumococcal vaccine
- Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC), the statewide immunization registry
- Find-A-Flu Clinic website
- Site Visit
During the site visit staff will review storage, handling and transportation policies, and documentation practices. Staff will then make appropriate recommendations and distribute related materials.
- Completion of training and site visit
Community vaccinators who attend training and complete a site visit will receive:- Mark of Excellence certificate
- Buttons and posters
- Mark of Excellence logo
- Designated mark on the Find-a-Flu Clinic web site
Additional Resources
- Community vaccinators
List of Mark of Excellence community vaccinators you can contact.
- Find a Flu Shot Clinic
Instructions for adding flu shot clinics to this search tool can be found on this page.
- Local public health departments
Contact information for county/city local public health departments in Minnesota.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccines & Immunizations
Information from CDC about vaccines and immunizations. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Immunization Action Coalition
Vaccination information for healthcare professionals. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Minnesota Board of Nursing
Information on nursing licensure and Board activities. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Minnesota Board of Pharmacy
Information regarding the activities of the Board, pharmacy regulations for the State of Minnesota, and points of contact for the Board and staff. Attention: Non-MDH link
Spotlight
Voluntary quality assurance program for community vaccinators.
Find a Flu Shot Clinic Tools
How to Add Your Listing to Find A Flu Shot ClinicIf you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
