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

A pharmacy technician plays a supportive role in the vaccination process, helping streamline operations while ensuring that pharmacists and other healthcare professionals deliver safe and effective patient care. One of the key responsibilities of pharmacy technicians is to gather pertinent information from patients through screening questionnaires. This task assists in identifying patients who may be eligible for vaccination while allowing pharmacists to focus on the clinical aspects of administering the vaccine.

By asking patients to complete screening questionnaires, technicians help ensure that any potential contraindications or precautions are noted, facilitating a smoother process for the pharmacist. This role is vital because it supports compliance with vaccination protocols and helps maintain patient safety without making clinical decisions or judgments about the appropriateness of a vaccine for an individual. It is important to note that while pharmacy technicians play an essential part in this process, they are not permitted to make clinical judgments or provide detailed educational counseling about the vaccines, which is the responsibility of licensed pharmacists or healthcare providers.