Title: Recording immunisation
Course: Level 3 - Immunization > Section: Record, analyse and report immunisation data

In immunisation program the EPI recording tools commonly used includes Infant immunisation card, the EPI registration book, the tally sheet and summary report form.

Infant Immunisation Card

Infant immunisation card is a small card that contains relevant information about the child and his or her immunisation history is called infant immunisation card (or vaccination card). It is kept by the mother or other principle caregiver of the infant. It contains the following basic information:

- A unique identification number (card number).
- Name of the infant.
- His/her birth date.
- His/her sex.
- Name and address of mother/ or parent.
- Date that infant was protected at birth (PAB) from neonatal tetanus.
- Date of each subsequent immunisation and vitamin A supplement given.
- Date when the next immunisation is due.

The cards may vary slightly, and some may show additional information, such as the age of the mother and dates of her TT immunisations.

While you complete the infant immunisation card, write down the date for each vaccine administered, or vitamin A supplement given. Include doses of TT given to the mother if she is eligible for a dose. Mark the next appointment date on the card and tell the mother when and where to return for the next dose of the vaccine. Make sure that the appointment date corresponds to a planned immunisation session. Remind the mother verbally as well as by writing on the card. Always return the card to the mother or caregiver.

Fig. 8.10. Sample infant immunisation card used in some parts of Ethiopia

The EPI Registration Book

The EPI Registration Book (or Immunisation Register) is a book for entering immunisation data. It helps you to keep a record of the immunisation services you offer to each infant and to women of childbearing age, particularly all those who are pregnant. Your health post can either have two separate EPI Registration Books, one for recording infant immunisations and another for recording TT given to women, or one book to record both. The Immunisation Register can also be used like a birth register. As soon as an infant is born in the community, its name can be entered in the register even before the infant has received any immunisations. This will help you to follow up all infants in the community. All women of childbearing age should be entered in your EPI Registration Book the first time they come to your health post, or outreach site.

Information written on EPI Registration Book is the same as the infant immunisation card except same difference like whether the infant was protected at birth (PAB) from neonatal tetanus and growth monitoring.

Immunisation Tally Sheets

Tally sheets are forms on which health workers make a mark every time they administer a dose of vaccine. These are used as the basis for monitoring and making regular summary reports of vaccine use. Use a new tally sheet for each immunisation session. The same tally sheet can be used to mark vaccines given to infants, and vaccines given to pregnant and non-pregnant women in the childbearing age group.

After you have immunised an infant, record the immunisation in the EPI Registration Book and on the infant's immunisation card, and inform the mother which doses were given. On the tally sheet, place a mark next to the dose you have just given. Mark each vaccine dose given on the tally sheet immediately after giving it.