Mass Vaccination and Triage Clinic Checklist
• Plan for space requirements, equipment needs, and signage by drawing diagrams of clinic setup and flow in advance.
• A marketing/advertising campaign should include clinic operating hours; clinic locations; accessibility by public transportation and parking information; what groups qualify for vaccination; and what to bring including required identification.
• Ensure clinic access is controlled by limiting entrances and exits, and posting security where necessary.
• Work with community partners when available for logistics, traffic control and security.
• Conduct initial triage of risk factors outside the clinic to avoid making patients wait in long lines only to be turned away.
• Provide estimated waiting times on poster boards outside the clinic.
• Guide patients with signage from the street or parking lot since health centers and hospitals can often be very confusing.
• Consider using floor paths or arrows to guide patients, but test adhesive first so as to not damage floors.
• Hang indoor signage at high levels, not on tables, and ensure signs for the next station can be seen from all points in clinic.
• Cross train clinic staff for greater flexibility during staff relief periods.
• Use Incident Command System (ICS) principles of unity of command and span of control, and clearly identify staff using vests or badges.
• Have a plan to explain why the vaccine is not av
ailable for patients who are not within a priority group.
• Monitor status and mood of the waiting crowd, and diffuse rising tension early.
• Deploy runners to maintain supply levels at stations and monitor usage.
• Have a response plan ready for patients in need of emergency services due to adverse reaction or stress.
Ginny Schwartzer is vice president and an owner of All Clear Emergency Management Group LLC, a planning and preparedness firm. She can be reached at [email protected].
