How long must pharmacists maintain records of immunization?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

PharmlyDoc

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
May 12, 2013
Messages
212
Reaction score
37
I tried looking on Apha website, but found nothing.

Is it 5, 10, or 20 years? Or is it forever?

Members don't see this ad.
 
State rules apply, but normally no less than how long you must keep a prescription file in records. If you did it for VA, your headquarters has to keep them for 75 years after the very last prescription for that patient.

https://www.va.gov/vhapublications/RCS10/rcs10-1.pdf
 
So would the answer be for the lifetime of the patient?
 
Members don't see this ad :)
So would the answer be for the lifetime of the patient?

Depends on the state, unless you're providing immunizations under a federal healthcare facility, like the VA, since the federal government isn't regulated by the state boards.

APhA doesn't regulate the practice of pharmacy, so you wouldn't find recordkeeping requirements on their website. Your specific board of pharmacy will have the information you are looking for. I am assuming you reside in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania BOP website is fairly user-friendly and I was able to find regulations regarding immunization recordkeeping fairly easily and quickly:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/049/chapter27/s27.405.html

Whenever you have a question regarding how long you need to keep records, this will mostly be a question for your state board, so look for that information on your state board website. The main exception is controlled substances - in addition to state board requirements, the DEA has their own requirements, which may align or be different from your state board. It is good to know how long you need to keep records for various types of records - this is information you will most likely be tested on the MPJE.

Again, if you are practicing in a federal facility, state board rules do not apply, and recordkeeping requirements will somewhat vary from fed agency to fed agency.
 
Top