Immunization

Vaccine Barcoding

2D barcoding technology will include product information, lot number, and expiration date. The goal of using 2D barcoding is to reduce medical errors and help healthcare providers more accurately record and document vaccine information in patient records. Having a 2D barcode on the product, while an important piece, is only the first step of many that practices will need to fully utilize 2D barcoding in the office.

 

 

Education & Guidance

Clinician Guidance- Includes information on getting your office ready and choosing a scanner. (12/2011)

 

Manufacturer Guidance- This guideline provides sufficient information and technical detail to implement GS1 DataMatrix technology (2/2012)

 

The CDC is offering a Two-Dimensional Vaccine Barcode Educational Forum on April 14-15, 2013.

 

Product Available with 2D Barcodes

2D barcoding is now available on 7 sanofi pasteur products: Adacel® (Tdap vaccine), Daptacel® (DTaP vaccine), Fluzone® (influnza vaccine - unit dose vials), IPOL® (inactivated polio vaccine), Menactra® (Meningococcal [Groups A, C, Y and W-135] Polysaccharide Diphtheria Toxoid Conjugate vaccine) pediatric Diphtheria  and Tetanus Toxoid Absorbed (DT) vaccine and Tenivac™ (Td vaccine). A tiered approach will be used to implement 2D barcodes on additional Sanofi Pasteur products in the coming year.

 

GSK has placed 2D barcodes on Havrix and will continue to roll out 2D barcodes on all products and their outer packages in the coming year.

 

Since April 2012, all Vaccine Information Statements VIS include a 2D barcode. Learn more about barcoded VIS sheets.

 

CDC Implementation Pilot

In September 2011, the CDC initiated a 2D vaccine barcoding pilot project designed to assess the challenges and determine the best practices for labeling and tracking vaccines using 2D barcodes. The pilot will test the implementation of 2D barcodes on selected vaccines, evaluate and document the impact of 2D barcoding on manufacturers, immunizers, and reporting systems. Participants in the pilot will receive scanning devices, software, and associated training. The pilot will also address implementation opportunities with EMRs and state immunization information systems.

 

The latest update from the pilot is available here. For more information, contact 2Dbarcodepilotinfo@CDC.gov or visit the 2D Barcoding Pilot Web site.

 

On January 26, 2012, the CDC hosted a manufacturers' forum to discuss opportunities, challenges, and next steps for implementing 2D barcoding on vaccine products. Read more about the discussions and outcomes of the meeting. To learn more about the discussions and outcomes of this meeting.

 

International Partnerships

• The Public Health Agency of Canada is working on similar efforts to implement 2D barcodes on vaccine products that include expiration date and lot number.

Last Updated: 4/8/2013