Standing orders for vaccinations are recommended based on strong evidence of effectiveness in improving vaccination rates: in adults and children; when used alone or when combined with additional interventions; and across a range of settings and populations. Standing orders authorize nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare personnel where allowed by state law, to assess a client's immunization status and administer vaccinations according to a protocol approved by an institution, physician, or other authorized practitioner. The protocol enables assessment and vaccination without the need for examination or direct order from the attending provider at the time of the interaction. Standing orders can be established for the administration of one or more specific vaccines to clients in health care settings such as: clinics; hospitals; pharmacies; long-term care facilities. In settings that require attending provider signatures for all orders, standing order protocols permit assessment and vaccination in advance of the provider signature.

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Effect Health System Change, Reduce Morbidity, Reduce Mortality, Reduce Risk or Incidence of Disease or Condition, Healthcare, Public Health, Clinical Practice, Primary Prevention, Environmental & Policy, Patients