APHA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield APHA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Asplenic patients (e.g., post-splenectomy) are at increased risk for serious infections from encapsulated organisms and should receive which vaccines? → Influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Hib vaccines
2. In Vaccine Schedules & Recommendations, what is the FIRST step a APHA professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
3. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Record Keeping & Documentation, what should a APHA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
4. Vaccine lot numbers must be recorded in immunization records primarily to facilitate: → Vaccine recall identification and adverse event investigation traceability
5. In Emergency Response to Reactions, what is the FIRST step a APHA professional should take when encountering a new case or situation? → Conduct a comprehensive assessment and gather all relevant information
6. OSHA's sharps injury log must include all of the following EXCEPT: → The name of the patient on whom the device was used
7. The 'cocooning' immunization strategy is specifically designed to protect which vulnerable population? → Newborns too young to be vaccinated
8. To maintain sterility when accessing a multi-dose vaccine vial, the administrator should: → Wipe the rubber stopper with a new alcohol swab before each puncture
9. What document must a patient receive before administration of vaccines covered by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA)? → A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
10. Pre-travel immunization counseling for a US traveler to a meningitis belt region in sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize which vaccine? → MenACWY (quadrivalent meningococcal)
11. Pregnant women are recommended to receive which vaccine during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation? → Tdap
12. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Community Outreach & Education, what should a APHA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation
13. HIV-infected individuals who are NOT severely immunocompromised (CD4 count ≥200 cells/µL) may receive which vaccine? → MMR vaccine
14. Which immunization information system (IIS) / registry requirement supports the principle of 'reminder-recall' in immunization practice? → IIS enables providers to identify patients due or overdue for vaccines and send reminders
15. At what angle should the needle be inserted for an intramuscular (IM) injection? → 90 degrees
16. Which needle gauge and length is standard for intradermal (ID) vaccine administration? → 27-gauge, 3/8–5/8-inch needle
17. Which standard of practice is MOST important for ensuring quality in Contraindications & Precautions? → Following evidence-based protocols while adapting to specific circumstances
18. At what age is the first dose of the MMR vaccine typically administered? → 12-15 months
19. Which agency plays a primary role in setting immunization schedules in the U.S.? → CDC
20. Which federal program provides a vaccine injury table that creates a presumption of causation for certain adverse events following specific vaccines? → VICP (Vaccine Injury Compensation Program)
21. What type of vaccine is the MMR vaccine? → Live attenuated vaccine
22. How frequently should surfaces in a vaccine administration area be cleaned and disinfected? → Between each patient and at the end of each session
23. After withdrawing the needle from a patient using a safety syringe, when should the safety mechanism be activated? → Immediately after the needle is withdrawn from the patient
24. According to current CDC/ACIP guidelines, should a vaccine administrator aspirate (pull back on the plunger) before injecting a vaccine intramuscularly? → No, aspiration is not recommended for routine vaccine administration
25. What is the recommended temperature range for storing most vaccines? → 2°C to 8°C
26. Which live attenuated vaccines are generally contraindicated in severely immunocompromised patients? → MMR and varicella
27. Adults aged 65 and older should receive which pneumococcal vaccine series according to ACIP recommendations? → PCV20 alone or PCV15 followed by PPSV23
28. How often should vaccine refrigerator temperatures be checked manually? → Twice daily
29. According to Standard Precautions, gloves should be worn during vaccine administration: → Whenever contact with blood or body fluids is possible
30. When a conflict arises between standard procedures and a unique situation in Contraindications & Precautions, what should a APHA professional prioritize? → Safety and ethical obligations while seeking expert consultation