Are Your Vaccinations Up-to Date? A Discussion Of Vaccination Recommendations For Dental Professionals And Their Patients

Christine Macarelli RDH, MS, Susan Davide Associate Professor/RDH, MS, MSEd, Anty Lam Professor RDH MPH

One of the most significant public health interventions, vaccination is an essential component of public health programs and among our most cost-effective medical interventions. Oral health care professionals are directly and indirectly involved in patient care and can be exposed to infectious agents that can be transmitted to and from clinicians and patients. In Part 1 of this series, we will discuss infectious diseases, outbreaks, and novel diseases. In Part 2 we will discuss the importance of oral health care providers receiving and maintaining vaccinations to protect against exposure to infectious agents, and educating patients about this effective disease prevention modality.

The Participant will be able to:

• Identify the vaccination recommendations and mandates for health care professionals
• Recognize the significance of current recommendations for compliance in the clinical setting
• Discuss the ongoing role of ensuring the dental team is appropriately vaccinated
• Identify and provide appropriate resources on vaccinations to patients and team members

References:

• Dooling KL, Guo A, Patel M, et al. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for use of herpes zoster vaccines. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67:103–108.
• Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings—2003. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2003;5. 52(RR17);1–61.
• OSHA Fact Sheet Hepatitis B Vaccination Sheet https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_BloodborneFacts/bbfact05.pdf
• New York State Department of Health. Health Advisory: Recommendations for Vaccinations of Health Care Personnel Available at: www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/toolkits/docs/health_advisory.pdf
• Schillie S, Vellozzi C, Reingold A, et al. Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on immunization practices. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2018;67(RR-1):1–31.
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization: the Basics. Available at: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/index.html
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaccine Effectiveness—How Well Does the Flu Vaccine Work? Available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.html
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Routine Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccination. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/hcp/recommendations.html
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis). Available at: www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.html

Practice Management Resources for Infection Control Program

• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dental Health Care Personnel Safety and Program Evaluation. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/summary-infection-prevention-practices/personal-safety-program-evaluation.html
• CDC DentalCheck Mobile App https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/dentalcheck.html 
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthcare Provider Office Information Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults/downloads/patient-intake-form.pdf

Public Health Resources - Patient Education

• National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Protecting Older Adults 65+ Against Influenza Tool Kit Available at: flu-alert-infographic Adults 65 years and older.pdf
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information Series For Adults: Vaccine Series What you Need to Know Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults/downloads/fs-vaccines-need.pdf
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 3 Important Reasons for Adults to Get Vaccinated. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/adults/downloads/fs-three-reasons.pdf
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for Ages 19 Years and Older, United States, 2020 Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/adult/adult-combined-schedule.pdf
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 18 Years or Younger, United States, 2020. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/downloads/child/0-18yrs-child-combined-schedule.pdf
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basics of Immunization Information System(llSs) https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/downloads/basics-immun-info-sys-iis-508.pdf