What is it about?
This scoping review analyzes how pharmacy technicians contribute to immunization services across different countries. It compiles evidence from 35 studies (mostly from the USA) to map their roles in vaccine administration, patient education, and workflow support. The review also compares training programs for pharmacy technicians and proposes a set of guidelines to standardize immunization training and practice. Results show that technicians can safely and effectively support vaccine delivery when properly trained, helping improve vaccination coverage and reduce pharmacists’ workload.
Featured Image
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Expanding the role of pharmacy technicians in immunization programs can make vaccines more accessible, especially in underserved communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacy technicians played a crucial role in mass vaccination campaigns, proving their ability to contribute to public health efforts. However, significant barriers remain—such as uneven legislation, lack of standardized training, and limited professional recognition in Europe. By identifying these gaps and suggesting a model curriculum, this paper provides a foundation for integrating pharmacy technicians into immunization services globally.
Perspectives
This paper underscores that empowering pharmacy technicians as immunizers is not only a workforce optimization strategy but also a public health necessity. Their involvement can expand vaccine access, support pharmacists, and strengthen healthcare systems’ resilience. The findings highlight the urgent need for harmonized policies and competency-based training to ensure safe and effective participation of pharmacy technicians in vaccination programs.
PhD João José Joaquim
Instituto Politecnico de Coimbra
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Pharmacy Technicians in Immunization Services: Mapping Roles and Responsibilities Through a Scoping Review, Healthcare, July 2025, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13151862.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
