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. A 4-year-old child (18 kg) receives a vaccine and develops anaphylaxis. What is the correct epinephrine dose? → 0.01 mg/kg IM of 1:1000, max 0.5 mg
2. A 12-year-old has no documentation of varicella vaccination or prior disease. How many doses of varicella vaccine are required? → 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart
3. Which of the following is an example of an INVALID contraindication often cited incorrectly? → Current mild illness without fever
4. 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
5. 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
6. During a temperature excursion assessment, who is the PRIMARY contact for guidance on whether exposed vaccines can still be used? → The state or local immunization program
7. The 'trust triangle' in vaccine communication refers to the relationship between: → Patients, healthcare providers, and public health institutions
8. Which strategy most effectively increases immunization rates through the health care system at the population level? → Implementing provider reminder and recall systems with standing orders
9. 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
10. The 'shake test' (agitation test) is used to identify freezing damage in which type of vaccine? → Adjuvanted inactivated vaccines
11. Under the US immunization schedule, the rotavirus vaccine series must be completed by what maximum age? → 8 months 0 days
12. Which of the following elements is required on a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)? → The publication date of the VIS
13. Vaccine lot numbers must be recorded in immunization records primarily to facilitate: → Vaccine recall identification and adverse event investigation traceability
14. The oral cholera vaccine primarily stimulates which arm of the immune system to provide mucosal protection? → IgA-mediated mucosal immunity at the intestinal surface
15. A premature infant born at 28 weeks gestation is ready for routine immunization. How should the vaccination schedule be adjusted? → Immunization should proceed according to chronological age, not corrected age
16. 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
17. OSHA's sharps injury log must include all of the following EXCEPT: → The name of the patient on whom the device was used
18. Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate later in life to cause which condition? → Herpes zoster (shingles)
19. A child receives varicella vaccine today. How many days must pass before administering another live vaccine (other than MMR)? → 28 days
20. Herd immunity thresholds differ by disease primarily because of differences in: → The basic reproduction number (R0) of the pathogen
21. Which type of immunity is conferred when a vaccinated individual protects unvaccinated members of a community by reducing pathogen circulation? → Herd immunity
22. The 'cocooning' immunization strategy is specifically designed to protect which vulnerable population? → Newborns too young to be vaccinated
23. According to CDC's Vaccine Storage & Handling Toolkit, what type of refrigeration unit is preferred for vaccine storage? → A purpose-built pharmaceutical-grade or commercial-grade stand-alone refrigerator
24. What does the term 'vaccine cold chain coordinator' refer to in a clinic setting? → A designated staff member accountable for cold chain management at that site
25. 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
26. Which of the following policy tools is most effective for rapidly increasing adult influenza vaccination rates in a workplace setting? → Offering onsite vaccination clinics during work hours at no cost
27. What document must a patient receive before administration of vaccines covered by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA)? → A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
28. Pre-travel immunization counseling for a US traveler to a meningitis belt region in sub-Saharan Africa should prioritize which vaccine? → MenACWY (quadrivalent meningococcal)
29. Pregnant women are recommended to receive which vaccine during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks gestation? → Tdap
30. Intradermal vaccine administration requires the needle to be inserted at approximately what angle? → 10–15 degrees