How to avoid vaccine administration errors

Influenza, zoster, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed are among the most common vaccines involved in medication errors in the United States, according to a new report from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. The other most common problematic vaccines include Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate, Tdap, DTaP-IPV, human papillomavirus (HPV4), and measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella.

"While the immediate impact of a vaccine-related error on a patient may not be serious, such errors may render the vaccine ineffective or reduce its effectiveness." —ISMP

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