Immunization Best Practices
- Vaccine storage and handling
CDC guidance for storing and handling vaccines, including transport.
- Vaccine Storage Guide
Two-page illustrated guide on vaccine storage temperatures and where and how to store vaccine in a refrigerator-only unit, freezer-only unit, and combination refrigerator/freezer unit. Includes tips for proper storage and management of vaccines.
Schedules
- Assess for Needed Immunizations
CDC immunization schedules and guidance.
Pocket Guides
Contraindications and Precautions
- Guide to Contraindications and Precautions to Commonly Used Vaccines (PDF)
Guide designed to help immunization providers determine what common symptoms and conditions should contraindicate vaccination and which ones should not.
Specific Populations
- Health Care Providers Serving Adolescents
Tips for vaccinating adolescents.
- Pregnancy and Vaccination
CDC's toolkit for prenatal care providers for increasing the use of maternal vaccines by ob-gyns, nurse-midwives, and other health care professionals.
- Immunization Information for International Travelers
What vaccines are needed for people traveling internationally and where to get them in Minnesota.
- Educate the Parent and Patient
CDC guidance for providing strong vaccine recommendations, includes Vaccine Information Statements (VISs).
- Provider Resources for Vaccine Conversations with Parents
CDC tips and resources for improving and maximizing communications with parents.
- Reliable Sources of Immunization Information
Websites, videos, publications, and more for accurate immunization information.
- Health Care Providers Serving Adolescents
Tips for vaccinating adolescents.
- Pregnancy and Vaccination
CDC's toolkit for prenatal care providers for increasing the use of maternal vaccines by ob-gyns, nurse-midwives, and other health care professionals.
- Administer the Vaccine(s)
CDC guidance for administering vaccines.
- Vaccine Protocols
Information and templates for writing a vaccine administration order, also called a protocol.
- Vaccine Product Summary (PDF)
Summary chart showing each vaccine's generic and brand names, manufacturer, age group licensed to receive, dosing information, and administration route.
- How to Administer IM (Intramuscular) Injections and SQ (Subcutaneous) Injections (PDF)
An illustrated guide to administering IM and SQ injections.
- Document the Vaccination(s)
CDC guidance for recording the vaccinations in a patient's medical record.
- Submitting and Exchanging Data with MIIC
Resources for data reporting and exchange with the Minnesota Immunization Information Connection (MIIC).
- Vaccines for Infants, Children, and Adolescents
Resources for your patients to know what's needed, track immunization records for school and child care, and access Minnesota immunization laws.
- Does billing make sense for your practice?
Before you begin billing, assess whether or not you have the resources necessary to begin billing health plans.
- Setting up a Billing Program for Immunization Services
Includes a checklist of activities that providers may consider when setting up a billing program.
- Contracts and Credentialing with Health Plans
A contract documents the obligations and responsibilities of each health plan, practitioner, and provider organization. Credentialing determines practitioner or provider competency to deliver acceptable medical care.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for Immunization Services
Health Plans use EFT as the preferred method for reimbursing providers.
- Claims Management
Medical claims management software systems automate clinic procedures and activities, and in some cases, can be used as clearinghouses.
- Health Plan Website Registration
Each health plan has a website health care providers can use for insurance verification, claims status and other functions.
- Billing Information for Patient Encounters
Guidance on steps to take before and during patient encounters to begin billing.
- Submitting Claims
Resources and contacts for the process of submitting claims.
- Denial Reason Codes
Explanations of the four most commonly used denial codes classifications.