What guidance is there for preventing patients from fainting after vaccination?

All providers who administer vaccinations should be aware of the potential for syncope (fainting) after vaccination and take appropriate measures to prevent it. Thus, clinicians should (1) make sure that people who are being vaccinated are always seated or lying down; (2) be aware of symptoms that precede fainting (weakness, dizziness, pallor, etc.); and (3) take appropriate measures to prevent injuries if such symptoms occur.

Immunize.org has two clinical resources specifically addressing vaccination-related syncope:

• “Fainting Related to Vaccination: What You Need to Know” immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p4260a.pdf (intended for vaccine recipients and caregivers)
• “Vaccination-Related Syncope: Information for Healthcare Personnel” immunize.org/wp-content/uploads/catg.d/p4260.pdf

These two resources are also relevant:

• “Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Children and Teens” at immunize.org/catg.d/p3082a.pdf
• “Medical Management of Vaccine Reactions in Adult Patients” at immunize.org/catg.d/p3082.pdf

CDC studies have shown that about 80% of fainting episodes occur within 15 minutes of receiving the vaccine. Vaccine providers should strongly consider observing vaccinated people for 15 minutes after vaccination in accordance with CDC’s General Best Practices for Immunization (see www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/imz-best-practices/vaccine-administration.html). This is particularly important when vaccinating adolescents and young adults or those with a history of injection-related syncope. CDC has posted additional information on this topic at www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/concerns/fainting.html.