Making a Strong Immunization Referral for Prenatal Immunizations

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 presumptive recommendation such as “You’re due for your Tdap shot to protect baby against whooping cough.” If needed, offer information on why the vaccine is beneficial and safe for baby and mother. Order FREE copies of the Prenatal Vaccination Flyer (also in Spanish) and the Prenatal brochure (also in Spanish) to share with patients.

• 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. 

• Provide patients with a prescription to clearly commmunicate the recommended immunizations and underscore the importance of vaccination during pregnancy. This prenatal immunization RX can be pre-populated with the provider’s information and photocopied, allowing you to simply enter the patient’s name and select the appropriate vaccines.  
   
• Emphasize that just because you do not stock a vaccine does not mean it is not important or that you don’t recommend it strongly.
   
• Ensure that the pregnant patient can go wherever you refer. Of note, Medi-Cal offers free transportation services for medical services, including immunizations.

Reminder: Confirm that patients received the vaccines by following up. Document the vaccines in their chart. Simple reminders can help your practice and your patients stay up to date.

• My Turn allows patients to make vaccine appointments.
• Local 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.

Reminder: Remind patients to check with their insurance plans regarding which providers their insurance includes for vaccine services. For patients with Medi-Cal, vaccines are a covered pharmacy benefit.