Which vaccines can pharmacists or interns administer to patients aged 18 years and older?

Pharmacists and interns can administer vaccines to patients aged 18 years and older according to state-approved protocols that outline what specific vaccines are permissible. These protocols are established to ensure proper training, safety, and guidance in administering vaccines, and they may include various vaccines beyond just influenza, such as shingles, pneumococcal, or COVID-19 vaccines, depending on what is designated within those regulations.

This approach empowers pharmacists to respond to public health needs effectively, allowing them to provide vaccinations in community settings and improve access to preventive care. It ensures that they operate within the boundaries of their training and the law, providing a structured method for vaccine administration that also considers public health guidelines.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the scope of what pharmacists and interns can administer. For example, limiting them to only influenza vaccines restricts their ability to provide other essential immunizations, while stating "any vaccines based on personal choice" or "only vaccines approved by the federal government" lacks the framework and specificity offered by state-approved protocols.