Pilot program explores use of 2D barcodes in vaccine record-keeping

In an effort to help facilitate accurate and uniform records of US vaccine usage, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and immunization community stakeholders are exploring the potential of 2-dimensional (2D) barcoding to streamline immunization practices. The 2D vaccine pilot initiative, which the CDC began in 2011 with support from key organizations such as FDA, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and various manufacturers, seeks to help improve the documentation and efficiencies necessary to capture key information connected with vaccine delivery, said Warren Williams, a public health analyst with CDC’s National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases. “Vaccine providers and immunization programs that are administering vaccines may be interested to know that a variety of vaccine unit-of-use products [vials/syringes] are available and contain a 2D barcode, which contains more information than the traditional linear barcode,” Williams said. “Currently we are conducting a pilot to understand some of the impact of...