Routine vaccinations are a way to promote population health, especially for patients who may not have easy access to primary care. Routine vaccinations can supplement emergency care, but are not the primary focus of the emergency department. Physicians should use their best judgment given the local environment when deciding to pursue vaccination in the emergency department or referral to a primary care doctor. During an outbreak of vaccine-preventable disease, the ED may serve as an adjunct to local public health efforts in disseminating vaccinations to vulnerable populations, within the capacity of each department. Patients who receive immunization(s) in the ED should be provided with appropriate education regarding the vaccine(s) (such as the CDC Vaccine Information Statements).
Acknowledgments
Contributors:
Alan Heins MD, FACEP William Weber MD, MPH Stephen Liang, MD, FACEP Dion Neame MD, BCh, BSc, FRCPC, FAAP Katherine Gallazaro MD, FAAP
ACEP Staff
Sam Shahid, MBBS, MPH Ram Khatri Riane Gay, MPA Margaret Montgomery, RN, MSN
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