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The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) receives hundreds of emails
and phone calls from healthcare professionals each month, many of
which describe medical errors related to vaccination.
Unfortunately, the availability of more vaccine products and an
increasingly complex immunization schedule increase the likelihood
of errors. Over the past four years, IAC received more than 1,500
questions about medical errors related to vaccination, including
errors in vaccine storage and handling, administration, scheduling
and documentation. Commonly reported errors include violations of
minimum intervals and age, incorrect scheduling of live virus
vaccines, administration of the wrong vaccine (or one not
recommended/licensed for use in the patient), providing a pediatric
dose to an adult or vice versa, using the wrong route or site for
administration, and using expired or improperly reconstituted
vaccine.
The result of such errors can be serious, including harm to the
vaccinee from a side effect, inadequate disease protection,
inconvenience to the parent/patient, unreimbursed cost to the
provider, possible feelings of ill will or loss of trust in the
provider, and possible negative media publicity. Avoiding such
errors benefits everyone. Fortunately, there are many resources to
help you avoid vaccination errors, including the following:
IAC ready-to-print educational materials (CDC-reviewed)
See all IAC ready-to-print educational materials (CDC-reviewed)
on the following topics:
IAC slide sets for your review or use when giving presentations
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ACIP Recommendations
Vaccine Information Statements 
