Vaccination Certificates

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:02:59 GMT

1.[quote user="Vikki Halliday"] and yes I am well aware that microchips may be altered, so please don't keep forcing this one down my throat as the only objection to microchipping! In the absence of tattoos or something equally unique, they are all we really have short of DNA samples

2.And therein lies the tale! Verification. It should not be confused, ( as is happening frequently on this forum by various posters ), with certification, which is an entirely different process and cannot be routinely carried out for vaccinations where there is little in the way of animal identification other than age, breed, sex and general description.

.[/quote]1.Since when were tattoos unique. They can easily be altered with a needle and apot of tattoo ink.

2 Is this getting a bit pedantic ? It does not matter one jot what you call it, you are still signing it and thus stating it to be true. To my mind this amounts to certification, but feel free to disagree as I'm sure you will.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 09:54:32 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

Personally, I check the owner's details match that on the PMS, where they do not I issue a new card.

[/quote]Thats a lot of new cards! If a client brings in a card but has moved house after the last vaccine was given and you only have the new address on your pms do you issue a new card rather than update the address on the old one?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Vikki Halliday LLB — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 21:57:29 GMT

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]What are you doing when you sign a vaccination record as a veterinary surgeon?[/quote]

Personally, I check the owner's details match that on the PMS, where they do not I issue a new card.

I check the animal's description, and if it does not fit, I issue a new card.

I check the animal's microchip, and then issue a new card.

I then check the previous vaccines, and if they do not in my opinion come up to a reasonable standard of signature, stamp and batch numbers, I issue a new card.

If the animal's vaccines do not appear to be in date, or they are missing, I issue a new card, with a recommendation to restart vaccine where appropriate.

I then vaccinate, date stamp, apply labels, overstamp and sign in blue ink.

Like I said, I'm not anti-certification.

This thread possibly explains why one practice I am aware of, with a fairly well known North East Orthopaedist, only issues a sheet of paper each year with the vaccination details on it. Any comments Mr Ness if you are reading?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Edward Jones — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:24:10 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]( and yes I am well aware that microchips may be altered, so please don't keep forcing this one down my throat as the only objection to microchipping! In the absence of tattoos or something equally unique, they are all we really have short of DNA samples)[/quote]

I think the chance of a microchip being altered is very unlikely, probably impossible. On the other hand, microchip cloning is relatively trivial.

Even DNA profiling isn't 100% as an identification method.

My point is that identification is never 100% without doubt, and certification does not require absolute 100% certainty. It requires as close to 100% certainty as reasonably possible, which in the case of routine cat and dog vaccination should not require microchipping (in my opinion).

And yes, I use a blue pen

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Jon Bray — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 20:11:28 GMT

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]What a sad point .[/quote]

Hmm. Yes, but perhaps cause for some hope too - it suggests that some of those who don't currently worry about it might do if a collective "approved" record was created.

On a related but somewhat different note, why is it that none of the PMSs I've seen will, at the touch of a button, print out a lovely, neat vaccination history of the animal in question, complete with all pertinent details and an explanation of exactly what the practice feels it is able to verify, which can then be signed once? Sure this would save no end of time with the number of times vaccination cards are mislaid or forgotton.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:42:37 GMT

[quote user="Julian Earl"]And to my way of thinking, written professional verification is certification.[/quote] This is also my way of looking at it. I do however agree that without microchip identification it is a little less definitive, but in principle I agree with you on this point.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Julian Earl — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 19:14:01 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

[quote user="Julian Earl"]The fact that it may not be stamped does not make it not a certificate; likewise an insurance claim form is not called a certificate, but in principle, it is, because you are using your M.R.C.V..S. to show that something actually happened.[/quote]

And therein lies the tale! Verification. It should not be confused, ( as is happening frequently on this forum by various posters ), with certification, which is an entirely different process and cannot be routinely carried out for vaccinations where there is little in the way of animal identification other than age, breed, sex and general description.

I have no problem with using my MRCVS to signify or verify what can only be partially known to me, but for me to certify, I would have to follow the 12 principles and request further verification of the animal's identity, such as a microchip. I would also use only ink other than black, a personal stamp, enter the vaccine batch number and expiry in ink rather than rely on stickers etc.etc.

[/quote]

So now answer the question about signing this card - if it is not a certificate you do not need to sign it. If you do sign it you are verifying that the deed has been done. And to my way of thinking, written professional verification is certification.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:42:52 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]has forced the thread to deteriorate as you cannot see that if it is not a certificate, you cannot be certifying![/quote]

No need to patronise me. I am well aware of what constitutes a certificate. This thread has deteriorated, in my opinion, due to pedantic arguments over what you call the item in question and the lack of importance placed by some members on the value of their signature as a Veterinary Surgeon. What are you doing when you sign a vaccination record as a veterinary surgeon?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:38:04 GMT

[quote user="David Beattie"]Maybe it would be simpler if the RCVS issued uniform vaccination certificates and these were used by everyone with a set of uniform rules. [/quote]

There used to be a maroon coloured RCVS approved vaccination record card. What happened to them? Using them would save all this arguing, but I suppose some vets still wouldn't fill them in anyway.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:33:44 GMT

[quote user="Jon Bray"]If I'm not mistaken you're talking about a criminal issue[/quote] I think you are mistaken in your interpretation of my post. All I was saying was that if you sign a blank document which is then completed by a third party you cannot prove that do not verify that the whole document is a true record of what transpired

[quote user="Jon Bray"]

I think it has; they have realised how useless it is as anything other than a record to the owner and see no point wasting time that could be spent more usefully.

[/quote] What a sad point .

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Colin Cameron — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:22:35 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

I think you have got the wrong end of my stick Colin! I am not "anti-certification" for vaccinations, and believe me I do care very much, but I think your stance has forced the thread to deteriorate as you cannot see that if it is not a certificate, you cannot be certifying!

[/quote] My "stand" is simply that if I sign any document it has to be correct. Whatever this documentary evidence of vaccination is called you, as a vet, are verifying that what is written upon it is correct. My objection to some of this thread is that some vets do not seem to care what they sign. All this argument about is it a certificate or a a record I think misses my point. So why do you wish to villify me for asking a very simple question. As a further point some vaccine cards are actually called certificates, so what then? There used to be RCVS approved vaccination record cards which we filled in appropriately and there was no argument. What happened to them?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Jon Bray — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 04:20:06 GMT

[quote user="David Beattie"]3) Dog in for routine booster. Owner asks if card can be updated as going into kennels. Not been done for 2 years. Vaccines last 2 years were administered by locums at my practice. Card has a microchip number on it, which correlates to the animal, but our practice managment system doesn't have a microchip number recorded and owner is unsure of date of microchipping. Do I complete the previous years vaccines? If so do I sign my name against them or leave this blank and just sign opposite the one I did?[/quote]

Ick. As soon as there is a microchip number on it I'd start considering this to be a proper certificate. Even if the chip was done several years ago, unless the previous locum has checked the chip prior to vaccination I wouldn't be happy adding the vaccine done by him. It also raises the question: am I effectively certifying that an animal is up to date on its vaccinations despite relying on a document which may or may not have been a certificate at the time of the last entry? A Pet passport, in contrast, will be started off as a certificate. A vaccination record won't. I see three "safe" options - make a new "record" without the chip number (on the basis that you can't certify "next vaccination due" unless you know for sure the dog had the other ones); censor the microchip number (thus turning the certificate back into a record; or, as has been suggested, write "This is a vaccination record not a certificate" somewhere.

This raises another issue - we are I believe allowed to trust clinical records when completing certificates. It is quite feasible in several of them however that a member of staff can, accidentally or otherwise, add an entry as another member of staff. If using this sort of system are we still allowed to assume that the relevant entries were made by M'sRCVS?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Jon Bray — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:50:36 GMT

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]This thread has become somewhat overheated form my original post. All I was asking was why some Vets seem incapable of completing a vaccination record / certificate before signing it. This point has not yet been answered.[/quote]

I think it has; they have realised how useless it is as anything other than a record to the owner and see no point wasting time that could be spent more usefully.

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]They could not prove otherwise, could they? [/quote]

If I'm not mistaken you're talking about a criminal issue, in which case the burden is not on the defence but the prosecution to prove guilt.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Jon Bray — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:23:30 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]If it mattered that much then the RCVS would have cottoned on to the fact and made all vaccine manufacturers revise their vaccination cards, and we would be microchipping everything prior to 1st vaccination.[/quote]

As the RCVS would be the first to tell you, they have absolutely no jurisdiction over vaccine manufacturers.

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]The fact is it is a record of vaccination administered to the animal roughly described on the card, and presented by a client who's name should appear on the card. We are not obliged to provide vaccination record cards, we do as a courtesy. If the life, location and quarantine of the animal depended upon it, then it would be a far more onerous certificate. [/quote]

I find it very unlikely that anyone would be likely to query a mismatch between the owner's name on a vaccination card and the person presenting an animal (at a kennels or a vets). "Oh, that's my partner's name" is a perfectly valid reason these days. Similarly "tan terrier X" is not exactly unique. In the cases where I have heard of these being abused it was in the case of breeders photocopying cards for similarly aged litters - in which case the careful breed/colour descriptions don't mean much.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Vikki Halliday LLB — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 21:24:17 GMT

( and yes I am well aware that microchips may be altered, so please don't keep forcing this one down my throat as the only objection to microchipping! In the absence of tattoos or something equally unique, they are all we really have short of DNA samples)

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Julian Earl — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:12:47 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

[quote user="i am ed"] firmly believe any and every MRCVS signature should be treated as a certification as far as possible[/quote]

But this is my point exactly! At the risk of offending your delicate nature again, !

It cannot be a certificate unless it is written, treated and intended as such. Do you ensure you sign and stamp with a personal stamp in an ink other than black?

[quote user="i am ed"]For example, mass vaccination and slightly sloppy certification of rescue/rehoming centre cats is a bit of a non-issue [/quote]

you can't make rules for one, and then bend them in what you might see as "non-issue" situations. This is precisely the attitude that frustrates me. M's RCVS are not above reproach when the opinion of what constitutes a "non-issue" situation varies.

[/quote]

You can call these documents a record card, or whatever the heck you like but they should be regarded as a "veterinary-authorised document" - a certificate in short - regardless. This is clearly so for one reason, and that reason is that someone else is using this card to demonstrate - prove if you like - that you gave a dog of this breed, colour, sex and owned by Mr/Mrs X of such-and-such an address a vaccination on the stated date. This is all self evident. And you have signed the card to show that you did this procedure and your signature is taken as the proof, nothing else is the proof, just your signature.

Now compare the situation where you have done the same: you gave a dog of this breed, colour, sex and owned by Mr/Mrs X of such-and-such an address a vaccination on the stated date. But now don't sign the card. It is still a record card because this dog did receive that vaccine and the stated date. But it means nothing because your signature is not there - it is your signature that makes it a certificate. The fact that it may not be stamped does not make it not a certificate; likewise an insurance claim form is not called a certificate, but in principle, it is, because you are using your M.R.C.V..S. to show that something actually happened.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Vikki Halliday LLB — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 12:40:08 GMT

[quote user="David Beattie"]

Have been looking in more detail at the current vaccine record cards we're using. Far from saying these don't constitute 'Certificates' (which I still maintain they can't in the full RCVS understanding of the term), they do quite the reverse:

[/quote]

David what brand of vaccine do you use? We use Intervet and although ours say "Vaccination Certificate" on the front, inside it does just say "record of vaccination".

I guess it depends on whether you believe a horse is a zebra just because it has stripes painted on it!

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:29:36 GMT

[quote user="i am ed"]

My head is spinning from this thread! I think we've got 4 positions:

1) Vaccination cards aren't certificates so I don't care if I sign it and leave owner's details blank.

2) Vaccination cards aren't certificates but it's still important to fill in all the details.

3) Vaccination records are for intents and purposes certificates and I'll apply the certification principles as far as I can (although most vaccination records don't comply with the principles 100%).

4) Vaccination records are certificates and I apply all the cert principles without fail.

[/quote]

Great summary, think I'm firmly in position (2)

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

however the cost of a vaccination would have to rise markedly to cover all the extra time and insurance payments to VDS for doing so much certification.

[/quote]

couldn't agree more. I would find it hard to put a price on doing export certs for a dog to New Zealand / Australia that actually covered the headaches it caused me. When I'm completing a certificate there's no room for any slipping through the net or mistakes - certainly don't want to be doing that for the regular dog/cat/rabbit booster.

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

[quote user="Bob Russell"]Perhaps there should be a statement at the bottom of the record card 'Please note this does not constitute a certificate' [/quote]

Great idea, and I may start adding this myself.

[/quote]

"Certificate of Vaccination" [on the front]

"this certificate of vaccination was issued by" [on the back with practice stamp below]

"Your dog's certificate of vaccination" [at the top of the space for filling in details; though no box for description, just colour]

"This is an important document and should be kept in a safe place"

"You will be asked to show this certificate of vaccination in any of the following circumstances:... If you cannot provide an up to date certificate, your dog may be refused admission"

I'm starting to feel rather uncomfortable filling these out at all!!! May yet bring it up at next practice meeting (so much for not wanting to appear too anal... here I go again...)

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

[quote user="David Beattie"]Probably part of my problem is I'm still not sure what being concientious with respect to completing vaccination cards involves in various circumstances, and as a recent graduate don't wish to irritate the support staff by appearing too anal![/quote]

David, you are the MRCVS, not the support staff. If you feel that you are being asked to breach certification or verification then it is an issue you must raise with your employer or the RCVS themselves. Afterall, how many nurses are ever infront of the PIC/DC for "poor" completion of vaccination records?

[/quote]

Thanks Vikki. I agree entirely with you that when certifying its my name on the line and take great care if completing insurance claim forms, horse passports, export certificates, pet passports, TB testing sheets, BVA hip score records etc, even if I irritate my co-workers somewhat in the process (I try to make it up by being helpful in other areas). Just never extended this to small animal vaccination records. Are you suggesting I should? I thought you were saying that this wasn't a process of certification and as such I wouldn't be dragged in front of the PIC/DC for a poorly filled out one??

Thanks for your answers to some of the practical specifics - I did find that helpful.

I think I'm getting the general picture that starting a new vaccine record card is probably what I need to do with any new client that's moved to the area. Is this what other people do? I'd always thought it was more convenient to keep the record all on the same card, but then I guess I'd always seen it as a personal record for the owner's benefit rather than anything else.

What if I work in a practice where there are often incomplete details completed on an old tattered card, but at least one of the previous vaccinations has been done at our practice - it'd look a bit odd for me to insist on starting a new record card - is this really necessary?

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]

However that might be seen as a cop out by some, so I would probably phone the microchip register and request the date of chipping from the file, and try to correlate with the records.

[/quote]

certainly a consistent position and most admirable, but difficult to fit into a 10 minute appointment, I don't find this a particularly unusual scenario (or the sister-scenario that I'm the new vet and last year's vaccine was done by my predecessor but they didn't have the card with them that time and want it updated as well this year) and I don't think I could be reasonably expected to do this on a routine basis?

Am I correct in getting the general gist however that I should either be starting a new card every time (which I fully complete personally myself prior to signing, or double-check that the details already filled in match those on our PMS prior to signing) or adding date, batch numbers and signature to a previous card only if all details on it are (a) already fully completed, and (b) match those on our PMS?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Vikki Halliday LLB — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 22:01:29 GMT

[quote user="i am ed"] firmly believe any and every MRCVS signature should be treated as a certification as far as possible[/quote]

But this is my point exactly! At the risk of offending your delicate nature again, !

It cannot be a certificate unless it is written, treated and intended as such. Do you ensure you sign and stamp with a personal stamp in an ink other than black?

[quote user="i am ed"]For example, mass vaccination and slightly sloppy certification of rescue/rehoming centre cats is a bit of a non-issue [/quote]

[quote user="i am ed"]And for a third time: MICROCHIPS CAN BE FAKED! [/quote]

And while we are on the subject of being irritated by mild rudeness, writing in capitals is tantamount to shouting at a forum participant, so I will thank you to tone down your shouting at me and others. Smileys are there to keep the forum slightly more light hearted than a straight exchange of views. Shouting in any language is however, always offensive, rude and irritating.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Edward Jones — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:33:11 GMT

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]Hmm, I do think this is somewhat a reversal of some of your previous posts Ed[/quote]

Not really. I firmly believe any and every MRCVS signature should be treated as a certification as far as possible, but I'm also well aware of necessity dictated by real world situations. For example, mass vaccination and slightly sloppy certification of rescue/rehoming centre cats is a bit of a non-issue - there's little motivation or possibility of naughtiness, but in the case of mass vaccination of a breeder's kitts/pups, then I think the principles should be applied as far as possible, because there's clear motivation for a breeder to take advantage. Just because application of the principles is flawed in a few aspects does not in any way undermine trying apply the rest of the principles.

And for a third time: microchips can be faked! (and I think there's clear motivation for doing so in the equine world, I'm sure). (edit: nod to VH)

[quote user="Vikki Halliday"]or did a smiley get you?[/quote]

?? I'm not trying to prove myself right and anyone else wrong, simply learn from the debate. I don't give a monkeys if the world and his wife from 'the internet' thinks I'm wrong. I was a bit confused why you should be banging your head on a wall - you seem to get frustrated very easily. Then again, I get irritated by mild rudeness easily as well, what can I say?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Vikki Halliday LLB — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:04:17 GMT

[quote user="i am ed"]

My head is spinning from this thread! I think we've got 4 positions:

1) Vaccination cards aren't certificates so I don't care if I sign it and leave owner's details blank.

2) Vaccination cards aren't certificates but it's still important to fill in all the details.

3) Vaccination records are for intents and purposes certificates and I'll apply the certification principles as far as I can (although most vaccination records don't comply with the principles 100%).

4) Vaccination records are certificates and I apply all the cert principles without fail.

[/quote]

Well I am firmly in number 2. However you cannot even begin to try to treat them like a certificate without resorting to compulsory microchipping, which would not be a bad idea, however the cost of a vaccination would have to rise markedly to cover all the extra time and insurance payments to VDS for doing so much certification.

[quote user="Bob Russell"]Perhaps there should be a statement at the bottom of the record card 'Please note this does not constitute a certificate' [/quote]

Great idea, and I may start adding this myself.

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]This whole thread has deteriorated into a number of Vets trying to justify NOT filling in the blanks and a few upholding what is right and proper. I remain dismayed by the former and heartened by the latter. Perhaps very few Vets actually care at all nowadays.[/quote]

I have never said I would not at least try to fill in the blanks, and do so regularly. I too have posted an example of poor vaccination card use by a member of this profession, and when I find a minute shall report the matter. However I think you are getting a little too far above the issue, and humbly recommend a step down from the soapbox!

[quote user="David Beattie"]

1) A new client presents a much loved and well kept vaccination card for her dog. The card tells me it is a black labrador, but the address doesn't match the address on our computer. Do I:

Start a new card from scratch for the vaccine I have administered.
Satisfy myself that the old address is the same as the one on the faxed records from the previous vet and then update this +/- adding my initials and the date of my alteration to the address.
Update the address myself and fill in any missing details like sex, stamp our practice details on the back and complete the vaccine I have administered that day.

[/quote]

Assuming it is not for Rabies, I would most likely do 1. The others you are trying to certify what you do not have personal knowledge of on a document not intended to certify anything.

[quote user="David Beattie"]

2) I am asked by a member of the reception team to sign a vaccine card for a client who forgot it when they were in for their booster. They've filled in the batch numbers and vaccine type and dates on the card. Do I:

Refuse to do so until I've had a chance to personally check the practice managment system myself and confirm that the vaccine was administered by me and the details all match those on the card.
Refuse to do so full-stop as I cannot personally identify the animal in front of me and match it with the description given.
Sign it and ask the member of staff to complete the address details on the back which are blank.

[/quote]

Again 1, so long as not for Rabies. 2 is getting away from a vaccination record, and 3 is a little lax for my liking even for a record rather than a certificate.

Difficult one this, but in your position as an assistant, I'd probably refer the matter to the senior partner(s). If they employed the locum, they can make the call.

If it were my practice I would know locums employed, and would be happy to update the record on their behalf.

However that might be seen as a cop out by some, so I would probably phone the microchip register and request the date of chipping from the file, and try to correlate with the records.

[quote user="i am ed"]

[quote user="David Beattie"]don't wish to irritate the support staff by appearing too anal![/quote]

Completely reasonable, life's too short etc.

[/quote]

Hmm, I do think this is somewhat a reversal of some of your previous posts Ed, have you had a change of heart, or did a smiley get you?

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Edward Jones — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:37:09 GMT

[quote user="David Beattie"]don't wish to irritate the support staff by appearing too anal![/quote]

Completely reasonable, life's too short etc. I really think the main issue is with mass vaccination of puppies/kittens that are still with a breeder, where the breeder potentially has a motive to take advantage of sloppy 'certification'. The case of an owner presenting a single animal for a booster, for example, in my view is much less of an issue.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Bob Russell — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:34:50 GMT

[quote user="Mark Holmes"]

[quote user="Bob Russell"]

4 would be nice but there would have to be major changes to attitudes in the profession to reach this.

[/quote]

4 would not be nice, number 2 though mmmmmmmm. The fewer things to cause complication the better, making them CERTIFICATES in the full sense of the word serves no greater purpose at all.

[/quote]

Not really - compulsary microchipping - only at your local friendly vet!

Then certification is purely a matter of filling in the boxes, signing and stamping the certificate - not difficult.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Mark Holmes — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:16:30 GMT

[quote user="Bob Russell"]

4 would be nice but there would have to be major changes to attitudes in the profession to reach this.

[/quote]

4 would not be nice, number 2 though mmmmmmmm. The fewer things to cause complication the better, making them CERTIFICATES in the full sense of the word serves no greater purpose at all.

Re: Vaccination Certificates

Anonymous — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:14:53 GMT

[quote user="Colin Cameron"]

No doubt there there was also a space for the address, which could easily have been filled in by someone ( stamp?) while you were doing the vaccinations as could some details of the animal. [/quote]

Fair point. In my defence, the rehoming centre didn't have an address stamp and did have quite a long address. They also had a shortage of volunteers and I was lucky to get one to hold an animal for me to be checked and vaccinated. As I said, I did start filling in animal desciptions and a brief note of the re-homing centre latterly. All the staff filled in was the animal's name as that helped them to identify it. I have no doubt that a better strategy could have been formulated with hindsight, I guess it just didn't seem high-priority at the time...

[quote]

I lay no claims to sainthood but always strive to ensure that any vaccination record / certificate is fully completed before it leaves this practice,my staff being instructed likewise. The occasional one probably slips through the net but at least we try! Why am I being judged as being in the wrong?

[/quote]

I don't think you're in the wrong at all, Colin. I think filling in vaccination cards/records/certificates properly is not an onerous task in general (though some of those vaccination 'books' which one practice I worked in used genuinely were onerous...) and should be done properly; I just don't feel as strongly as you on the matter and being a lowly assistant don't have the privilege of instructing my staff...

I also in my current 'reformed' workings do my best to fill these in as accurately as possible before signing my name on them, though I do encounter some problems and would be interested to hear your advice on dealing with these consistently:

1) A new client presents a much loved and well kept vaccination card for her dog. The card tells me it is a black labrador, but the address doesn't match the address on our computer. Do I:

Start a new card from scratch for the vaccine I have administered.
Satisfy myself that the old address is the same as the one on the faxed records from the previous vet and then update this +/- adding my initials and the date of my alteration to the address.
Update the address myself and fill in any missing details like sex, stamp our practice details on the back and complete the vaccine I have administered that day.

Refuse to do so until I've had a chance to personally check the practice managment system myself and confirm that the vaccine was administered by me and the details all match those on the card.
Refuse to do so full-stop as I cannot personally identify the animal in front of me and match it with the description given.
Sign it and ask the member of staff to complete the address details on the back which are blank.

3) Dog in for routine booster. Owner asks if card can be updated as going into kennels. Not been done for 2 years. Vaccines last 2 years were administered by locums at my practice. Card has a microchip number on it, which correlates to the animal, but our practice managment system doesn't have a microchip number recorded and owner is unsure of date of microchipping. Do I complete the previous years vaccines? If so do I sign my name against them or leave this blank and just sign opposite the one I did?

Sorry for making your blood boil, Colin. Wasn't my intention. Maybe it would be simpler if the RCVS issued uniform vaccination certificates and these were used by everyone with a set of uniform rules. Probably part of my problem is I'm still not sure what being concientious with respect to completing vaccination cards involves in various circumstances, and as a recent graduate don't wish to irritate the support staff by appearing too anal!