8.2.2  Recording immunizations

Record keeping is an important part of every immunization session, whether it occurs at a fixed site or during outreach or mobile services. Study Session 10 describes the records in detail, so here we will briefly mention only the main points.

The Family Folder is not only for recording immunizations, but for all vital events (e.g. births, deaths, cause of death, etc.)

Before you immunize an infant or a woman you must enter all the required information into the EPI Registration Book, the Family Folder and the Immunization Tally Sheet. You should check that the infant is the correct age for immunization, and that the infant’s age on the immunization card is correct. (You will see examples of the EPI Registration Book, immunization card and tally sheet in Study Session 10.) Also, record the doses of vaccine given at each session in the Vaccine Stock Register shown in Study Session 5.

If this is the first time the infant has been brought for immunization, ask the age of the infant, and if the carer does not know the exact date of birth, try to find out the date by relating it to a historical event or national holiday, such as Easter or Eid Al Fetir.

The EPI Registration Book is an important record of your activity and the number of vaccine doses used. It also enables you to trace which vaccinations the infant has had if the carer fails to bring the immunization card on a future occasion. Record all vaccines and vitamin A supplements given on the tally sheet by counting the number of doses of each type of vaccine given during the session. Complete the tally sheet and the infant’s immunization card.

On the immunization card you should write:

• the date for each vaccine administered or vitamin A supplement given
• the date when the next immunization is due.

You should return the card to the carer, and before she leaves the Health Post, you should explain that:

• The immunization card is an important document about the health of the infant. She should keep it in good condition and bring it with her whenever the child is brought to the Health Post for any reason – not just when she comes for another immunization.
• The infant should complete the full course of vaccinations. Give the carer the date when the infant should be brought back for the next dose of vaccine.
• Occasionally there are adverse reactions to the immunization, but usually these are very mild and get better quickly. Make sure the carer knows what to do if they occur, and explain that the infant should be brought back if the symptoms get worse or the reaction continues for more than a day or two.