What is the first step in administering a vaccine?

The first step in administering a vaccine is to verify the patient's identity using two identifiers. This critical step ensures that the vaccine is given to the correct individual, which is paramount in preventing medical errors and ensuring patient safety. Identifying the patient correctly eliminates the risk of administering the vaccine to the wrong person or administering the incorrect dosage or type of vaccine, which could lead to adverse outcomes.

After confirming the patient’s identity, the next steps usually include preparing the medication, cleaning the injection site, and documenting the administration in medical records. However, verifying the identity first lays the foundation for the entire vaccination process, as it safeguards against errors that could significantly impact the patient’s health and care.