Campaign Toolkit

Program efficacy begins with provider and staff knowledge. Establishing and maintaining a baseline level of knowledge is particularly important for adult immunizations, as there are many components to ensuring vaccine safety and the guidelines are updated frequently. To develop, implement, and maintain an effective staff education program, follow the steps below.

Step 1:

Determine baseline knowledge required for team members working on routine adult immunizations

Refer to the Getting Started Checklist for information regarding establishing your Rise to Immunize™ (RIZE) team. Education requirements will vary based on role. Be sure to clarify responsibilities and expectations among your team. Important baseline education may include:

• Importance of immunizations
• Storage and handling requirements
• Vaccine schedules
• Protocols for vaccine preparation and administration
• Contraindications
• Monitoring for and reporting adverse events
• Documentation and records procedures

Step 2:

Assess existing knowledge and skills

Once you’ve established education and skills requirements by role, assess your team’s baseline knowledge (e.g., conduct a baseline survey) and identify areas for improvement. Annual competency evaluations are recommended for direct patient care staff who administer vaccinations.

Step 3:

Develop and implement an education plan

Develop a plan to provide education that addresses knowledge and skills gaps. Your team’s Immunization Champion is an ideal person to develop and implement educational activities. Consider leveraging existing provider and staff touchpoints such as:

• Daily huddles
• Provider/staff meetings
• New hire orientations and training
• Internal newsletters
• Employee communications such as intranet content and facility signage
• Physical materials at workstations (e.g., pocket-guides, laminated handouts, etc.)
• On-the-job activities such as mentoring and shadowing

Step 4:

Keep evaluating, adjusting, and improving

It is important to stay up to date on vaccine education and skills, particularly since immunization guidelines are updated frequently. Offer opportunities to reevaluate and refresh knowledge and skills annually and after important updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Immunization Schedules. The RIZE quarterly data reports may also offer an opportunity to educate in relation to campaign performance and areas for improvement.