On Sept. 10, 2013, the National Vaccine Advisory Committee released revised “Standards for Adult Immunization Practice.” While previous versions of the adult immunization standards have been published, recommendations for adult vaccination are published annually, and many healthcare organizations have endorsed routine assessment and vaccination of adults, vaccination levels among adults continue to be low.

Although several barriers exist, a number of strategies have been shown to improve receipt of adult immunizations. One of the most important predictors of receipt of vaccination among adults is a healthcare provider’s recommendation and offer of vaccine during the same visit. The importance of a provider recommendation for vaccination has been demonstrated repeatedly. Other approaches shown to increase vaccination coverage include patient and provider reminder/recall systems, provider assessment and feedback about vaccination practices, use of standing orders or protocols, reducing patient out-of-pocket costs, worksite interventions with on-site, actively promoted vaccination services, and other community–based and healthcare system-based interventions implemented in combination.

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee (NVAC) recommends that the Assistant Secretary of Health promote the use of the 2013 updated NVAC Standards for Adult Immunization Practice by all healthcare professionals and payers in the public and private sectors who provide care for adults.