The Immunization Action Coalition: A Gold Standard Immunization Resource

ByJoshua Foust
A partner post from our friends at the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment.

The Immunization Action Coalition (IAC) was founded in 1993 and is considered a gold standard immunization resource for those administering vaccines. The IAC’s immunization resources have now been used by generations of health care providers. Some of these resources have stood the test of time and have been used for almost 30 years.

These resources exist because of Deborah L. Wexler, MD, IAC’s founder and leader, and her team. Dr. Wexler retired at the end of June 2021. You can learn about her amazing career and legacy. In honor of her and her entire team’s work, a list of the best IAC resources follows:

  • IAC Express: The “IAC Express” is emailed to subscribers every Wednesday and provides newly posted Vaccine Information Statements (VISs); changes to Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccination recommendations; new IAC vaccination educational resources; and the latest resources from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations. Current and archived issues are available here. Subscribe here if you are not already receiving this important, free newsletter.
  • Ask the Experts: “Ask the Experts” is an online repository of more than 1,100 frequently updated questions and answers addressing the clinical dilemmas and common questions of vaccination providers on the front lines. This resource is especially useful when addressing vaccine administration errors and deviations. Questions addressed include what to do if a dose of expired vaccine is given to a patient or if an injection is given by the wrong route.
  • Standing Orders Documents: The IAC maintains guidance and current standing orders for 18 vaccines and the medical management of vaccine reactions. Guidance includes ten steps for implementing standing orders and frequently asked questions and answers about standing orders.
  • VISs in Almost 50 Languages: These VIS translations have allowed millions of vaccine recipients to have access to VISs in their preferred language.
  • Handouts for Staff and Patients: Handouts for staff and patients include guidance for vaccine administration documentation; vaccine contraindications and precautions screening checklists; and dose, route, site, and needle size guidance for vaccine administration and schedules for patients.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact CDPHE’s immunization branch at 303-692-2700 or cdphe.dcdimmunization@state.co.us.