Immunization can be defined as “Generating natural immunity against pathogens by means of vaccination (active immunization) or by administering immunoglobulins (passive immunization)”.

Only the administered vaccinations are included in this information model. Administering immunoglobulins is part of the medication overview. Vaccinations have lifelong relevance.

Vaccinations are also relevant for adult patients such as transplant patients, dialysis patients and patients with a post-splenectomy status. In addition, there are specific indications for the vaccination of risk groups, such as travelers, professionals who come into contact with blood or patients with wounds, weakened immune systems or heightened risk.

Purpose

Documenting vaccinations that have already taken place in a patient is important for things such as the diagnostics of infectious diseases and the indication and planning of (re)vaccinations.

Evidence Base

Vaccination documentation contains far fewer data elements than medication documentation. Medication concerns a running order process with many participants (patient, prescriber, pharmacy, administrator) and complex, very diverse details.

Vaccinations are only about what was administered and when.