An infection preventionist recommends a standing order for vaccine administration that includes several elements. Which element is included in error?

• A. Training for all staff on the safe administration of vaccines
• B. Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)
• C. Epinephrine administration instructions
• D. Contraindications to vaccination

Answer: (A)

Standing orders for vaccine administration set out the specific actions to be taken when vaccinating, ensuring safety, legality, and consistency in practice. They should include elements that directly guide the vaccination process: providing Vaccine Information Statements before vaccination, outlining contraindications to vaccination so vaccines aren’t given when they’re not appropriate, and including instructions for handling potential allergic reactions (such as epinephrine administration) along with the necessary emergency response steps. They also specify who is authorized to administer vaccines and how documentation should be handled.

Training for all staff on the safe administration of vaccines, while essential as part of the facility’s overall safety and education program, belongs in the facility’s training plan rather than in the standing order itself. The standing order focuses on the clinical actions and safety procedures used during vaccination, not the broader training requirements.