Making a Strong Referral

Stocking and administering the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in office may not be feasible for all prenatal healthcare professionals. For vaccines you don’t stock, it is still 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:

1. Begin each referral with a vaccine recommendation that includes information on why the vaccine is beneficial and how it is safe for mother and infant.
2. 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.
3. Always write a patient-specific prescription in case it is required.
4. Anticipate and be prepared to answer questions on why you cannot give the vaccine to patients in your office.
5. 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.
6. Lastly, have a plan in place to answer questions from other immunization providers who are concerned with vaccinating your pregnant patients.