Which role is a pharmacy technician allowed to perform in relation to vaccination?

A pharmacy technician plays a supportive role in the vaccination process, which includes asking patients to complete screening questionnaires. This task is essential as it helps identify any contraindications or precautions that may be relevant before the administration of a vaccine. By facilitating this preliminary assessment, the technician ensures that the pharmacist or healthcare provider can make informed decisions regarding vaccination.

While other responsibilities in a vaccination program are crucial, they fall outside the scope of practice for pharmacy technicians. For example, determining whether a vaccine is appropriate for a patient requires clinical judgment that is reserved for licensed pharmacists or healthcare providers. Similarly, making clinical judgments about a patient’s health involves a level of expertise and evaluation that pharmacy technicians are not trained to perform. Educating patients about the risks of vaccines is likewise a responsibility that typically requires a licensed healthcare professional's knowledge and legal authority to provide comprehensive information and counseling.