Immunization Basics for the Medical Assistant

Give the current VIS before every vaccine, store vaccines in range, use the right route and needle, document the lot, and watch the patient for about 15 minutes.

Before the vaccine

1. Give the patient (or parent/legal representative) the current Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) for each vaccine before giving it; this is federal law for vaccines on the Vaccine Injury Table (42 U.S.C. 300aa-26).
2. Answer questions and screen for contraindications and precautions if that is within your scope (Immunize.org).
3. Check the storage unit temperature, the expiration date (and beyond-use date), and the vial label twice.
4. Prepare each vaccine with a new sterile needle and syringe in a clean area; label filled syringes.

Who should get which vaccine and when (the schedule) is set by CDC/ACIP and changed several times in 2025-2026; CDC pages were not reachable for this sheet, so schedules are intentionally excluded. Use the current CDC schedule in practice.

Preview only. The full sheet also covers: Storage temperatures (Immunize.org); Routes for common vaccines (Immunize.org P3085, 8/2026); Giving and after.

Practice General Patient Care

• Free General Patient Care questions
• Injection Routes: Angles, Needles, Volumes and Sites