What should pharmacy technicians do to ensure vaccines are not expired or beyond use?

Monitoring expiration and beyond use dates weekly is essential for pharmacy technicians to ensure that vaccines remain effective and safe for administration. This proactive approach allows for timely identification of any vaccines that may soon expire or are already beyond their use date. By checking expiration dates weekly, technicians can manage vaccine inventory effectively, preventing the administration of expired products, which could lead to ineffective treatment or adverse patient outcomes.

Regular checks help maintain patient safety and compliance with best practices for vaccine storage and handling. This process ensures that only viable vaccines are available for patient care, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of healthcare services. Additionally, maintaining an up-to-date inventory can facilitate efficient reordering and minimize waste due to expired products.