Integrating Immunizations Into Routine Ob-Gyn Care

Immunizing pregnant and nonpregnant women against vaccine-preventable diseases is an essential component of women’s health care.

The Strategies for Effectively Integrating Immunizations Into Routine Obstetric-Gynecologic Care project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), identified strategies intended to help ob-gyns optimize their immunization programs and integrate immunizations into their routine patient care.

During this project, a diverse population of ob-gyn providers implemented recommendations from the National Vaccine Advisory Committee Standards for Adult Immunization Practice. Findings suggest that four overarching strategies improve immunization processes and ultimately increase immunization rates:

Administer Routinely Discussed and Recommended Vaccines

At a minimum, this should include influenza, tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap); and human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Create a Culture of Immunization

You can create a culture of immunization by educating and involving all staff in immunization processes. Delegate the responsibilities of maintaining and championing an immunization program to a team of staff, as appropriate for your practice structure. 

Develop a Standard Process

Develop standardized processes for assessing, recommending, administering, and documenting the vaccination status of patients.

Use Existing Resources

Utilize the systems and resources available to you to conduct periodic assessments of immunization rates among patients and determine if and where progress is needed. 

Read the full report for more details on the project's findings.