Making a Strong Referral

Helping Pregnant Patients Access Important Vaccines

For vaccines you don’t stock, it is critical to make the recommendation and then refer your patient to another immunization provider. By making a strong vaccine referral, you can help ensure that your pregnant patients receive the recommended vaccine(s) even if you are unable to administer them yourself.

Here are a few quick tips to help increase the likelihood that your pregnant patients follow through on your vaccine referral:

• Begin each referral with a vaccine recommendation that includes information on why the vaccine is beneficial and how it is safe for mother and baby.
• Provide specific information on where patients can get the vaccines you recommend—examples may include a nearby pharmacy or your patient’s primary care provider.
• Always write a patient-specific prescription in case it is required.
• Anticipate, and be prepared to answer questions on why you cannot give the vaccine to patients in your office.
• Emphasize the fact that just because you do not stock a specific vaccine in your office does not mean it is not important or that you have concerns about its safety.

Vaccine Referral Options

• Vaccines.gov offers a free, online service where users can search by zip code for providers who offer COVID-19 or Flu vaccines.
• Health Departments often provide routine vaccinations or can help you identify other local COVID-19 or Flu vaccine providers.
• Pharmacies are a convenient location for many patients to get vaccinated. Most pharmacies have on-site clinics that provide vaccines.
• Travel Clinics are current with vaccine recommendations for international travel and often carry vaccines that are less frequently recommended and might be cost-prohibitive to stock.