01
Open Chrome extensions
Go to chrome://extensions and keep the page open while loading the local build.
chrome://extensionsEntry Mode
Chrome extension for barcode review and chart entry
v1.0.4
Parse GS1 vaccine barcodes, check the lot data, and review the values before filling Panorama or InputHealth fields.
Chrome ExtensionManifest V3PanoramaInputHealthNVC-backed lot resolution
Popup Preview
Extension review window
VaxLink
NVC synced
(01)00381370007577(17)260601(10)2024B-LOT12
Resolved from NVC
Trade NameFluzone Quadrivalent
ManufacturerSanofi Pasteur
DIN02484811
Lot2024B-LOT12
Expiry2026-06
RouteIntramuscular
Panorama · InputHealth
Supported Environments
Compatibility matrix
The extension targets Chrome. Panorama and InputHealth are supported charting targets in the current release.
Matrix
Browser and CHR support
| Browser | CHR / EMR | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Panorama | supported | Main supported autofill path. |
| Chrome | InputHealth | supported | Supported for barcode parsing and autofill. |
| Chrome | OSCAR | planned | Not yet mapped for stable field targeting. |
| Chrome | Wolf | planned | Planned once selectors and workflow coverage are defined. |
| Chrome | PS Suite | planned | Roadmap item, not available in the current extension. |
Read and Write
What the extension reads from the barcode and writes into the chart
The extension keeps its scope narrow: barcode in, review step, then field fill on supported screens.
Reads
Barcode fields and fallbacks
AI 01
GTIN
14-digit Global Trade Item Number
AI 10
Lot
Lot or batch number
AI 17
Expiry
Expiry date (YYMMDD -> formatted)
AI 21
Serial
Serial number
Also supports text labels such as LOT:, EXP:, and DIN: when scanner output is not fully structured.
Writes
Fields prepared for chart entry
Trade name
Manufacturer
Route of administration
Dose / strength
DIN / drug code
Lot number
Expiry date
Supported platforms: Panorama and InputHealth. Other CHRs remain planned.
Install
Developer mode install and preflight check
The current release installs as an unpacked Chrome extension. Check the environment before working in a live chart.
02
Enable Developer mode
Turn on Developer mode in the top-right corner to allow unpacked extension installs.
Developer mode -> ON03
Load the VaxLink extension folder
Use Load unpacked and select the repository extension directory.
VaxLink/apps/extension/04
Check the result
Open Panorama or InputHealth, click the VaxLink icon, parse a barcode, then verify the autofill fields.
Parse -> Review -> Auto-fillPermissions and Local Data
Browser access, local storage, and what the site does not keep
Each permission maps to a concrete browser action. Bundle data stays local to the browser.
Access table
Requested permissions
| Permission | Reason | Optional | Leaves Browser |
|---|---|---|---|
| activeTab, scripting | Targets the active CHR page so VaxLink can read and write the fields needed for vaccine documentation. | No | No |
| clipboardRead | Supports scanners and setups that deliver barcode payloads through paste actions. | Yes | No |
| storage | Stores the local NVC bundle snapshot and extension settings needed for repeated lookups. | No | No |
| alarms | Checks for bundle refreshes roughly every 24 hours so local lot lookups stay current. | No | No |
Storage
Local bundle storage
Bundle data is cached in browser storage to support repeat lookups and offline fallback behavior.
Charts
No chart backend
The website does not persist patient chart data. The extension acts only on the active page fields needed for autofill.
Refresh
Bundle check interval
Bundle checks run about every 24 hours, with the last local snapshot available if a refresh fails.
Troubleshooting
Common install and chart-entry problems
This section covers the setup, barcode, and lot-match problems people usually hit first.
Issue 01
Extension icon is not visible
Pin the extension in Chrome and confirm the unpacked extension loaded without manifest errors.
Issue 02
Developer mode is disabled
Return to chrome://extensions and re-enable Developer mode before reloading the unpacked extension.
Issue 03
Load unpacked path is wrong
Select the repository folder at VaxLink/apps/extension instead of the repo root or web app folder.
Issue 04
No lot match is returned
Reload the extension, refresh the bundle, and verify whether the lot exists in current catalogue data.
Issue 05
Autofill fields are not detected
Confirm you are on a supported Panorama or InputHealth screen and that the page finished rendering before running Auto-fill.
Issue 06
Local NVC data feels stale
Reload the extension or force a fresh bundle fetch to validate whether newer source data is available.
Release Notes
Current release
This page tracks what the current extension release supports.
Release
Version 1.0.4
Barcode parsing, lot lookup, and Panorama/InputHealth field fill are the supported paths in this release.
Status
Maturity
Best suited for internal evaluation where supported screens can be checked before production use.
Next
Roadmap
Additional CHR integrations remain planned and are not supported until released here.
FAQ
Questions people ask before trying the extension
These answers cover the practical questions that come up before rollout.
Does VaxLink send chart data anywhere?
No patient chart data is sent by the website. The extension operates in the browser and stores the NVC bundle locally for lookups.
Which scanners and barcode formats work?
VaxLink supports standard GS1 vaccine barcode payloads including parenthesized, compact, and common labeled text formats.
Does it work without internet?
Yes for previously cached bundle data. Internet access is only needed when fetching or refreshing the NVC bundle source.
What if lot lookup fails?
Reload the extension, check the parsed barcode, and confirm whether the lot exists in the current NVC bundle.
Which CHRs are supported today?
Panorama and InputHealth are the supported autofill targets in the current release. OSCAR, Wolf, and PS Suite remain planned.
Is this Health Canada software?
No. VaxLink uses National Vaccine Catalogue data maintained by the Public Health Agency of Canada, but it is an internal toolkit and is not affiliated with PHAC.