News & Views: Interpreting Foreign Immunization Records and Immunizing Newly Immigrated Populations
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
Published on in Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers
Editor’s note: The idea for this month’s article was the result of a question submitted by a doctor in the suburbs of Philadelphia. As we communicated with our colleagues in the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and the Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition, we determined that it was likely that other healthcare providers throughout the country were also dealing with this issue. Therefore, we were pleased when Joanne Sullivan, executive director, Pennsylvania Immunization Coalition, offered to write an article for our newsletter readers. We thank Joanne and hope you will find this article to be of help if this issue arises in your practice.
Have you had the challenge of deciphering a foreign immunization record lately? The process can be confusing and time consuming especially if you don’t have the resources to interpret the records. If you have had this type of issue or think you might in the future, read more.
Like many states in America, Pennsylvania is a “melting pot” of immigrants from countries all over the world. Early in the 20th century, Pennsylvania welcomed thousands of immigrants — mostly German, Irish, Italian, Polish and Russian — who established homes and businesses in communities throughout our Commonwealth.
In the last 10 years, approximately 15,000 refugees settled in Pennsylvania. The majority of these came from Bhutan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burma, Somalia, Iraq, Cuba, Afghanistan, Syria, Ukraine and Sudan.
Additionally, more than 136,000 unauthorized individuals live in Pennsylvania communities, the majority originating from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, India and China.
So, if you are in Pennsylvania and you haven’t had the challenge of examining a foreign immunization record yet, it is likely that you will in the future. The same is likely to be true in states across the country. So, where should you start?
First, refer to the “Pink Book” — CDC’s “Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Course Textbook” (13th Edition – 2015). Appendix B – “Foreign Language Terms – Aids to Translating Foreign Immunization Records” contains two useful resources:
Another helpful resource is the “Quick Chart of Vaccine-Preventable Disease Terms in Multiple Languages,” produced by the Immunization Action Coalition (IAC). This resource displays each vaccine in English as well as in multiple eastern and western European languages.
Once you have any immunization record offered, ask the client, parent or interpreter whether they:
With the above resources, you should be able to go line by line to identify each vaccine. It may be helpful to have the assistance of an interpreter, but always rely on your review of the immunization record as your most reliable information source. Be sure to pay special attention to the following:
Once you have determined which vaccines the person has received, use the recommended immunization schedules as your guide for determining which vaccines are needed:
After a comprehensive review of the client’s immunization record, inform the client, parent or legal guardian of your vaccine recommendations. If you are unsure about how to proceed or have specific questions about one or more vaccines, contact the immunization team at your local health department or the CDC. The CDC can be contacted by:
Once you are ready to proceed with immunizations, remember the following:
Categories: Vaccine Update Jan. 2016, News and Views About Vaccines
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Vaccine Education Center staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family's personal health. You should not use it to replace any relationship with a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult your physician or, in serious cases, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel.