Vacciner

Vacciner is a term that may refer to a person who administers vaccines. In modern English, the standard term is vaccinator, and vaccin­er is rarely used; it can be considered archaic or a misspelling in many contexts. The word vaccine itself comes from Latin vaccinus, meaning “of a cow,” a nod to the historical origins of vaccination with cowpox material.

Role and scope

Vaccinators work in clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, schools, and public health campaigns. They can be nurses, physicians, pharmacists, or trained support staff. Their duties typically include verifying patient identity and eligibility, obtaining informed consent, administering vaccines by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, monitoring for immediate adverse reactions, and documenting vaccination details in medical records. They may also advise patients on aftercare, potential side effects, and scheduling subsequent doses, while ensuring proper stock management, cold-chain storage, sharps disposal, and adherence to safety and privacy regulations.

Training and safety

Vaccinators receive training on injection technique, vaccine safety, recognizing and managing anaphylaxis, storage and handling requirements, and infection control. Certification and ongoing education are common requirements, varying by jurisdiction. The precise scope of practice for vaccinators can depend on local laws, healthcare systems, and the setting in which vaccination is provided.

See also

Vaccine, vaccination, immunization, vaccinology, vaccinologist, immunizer.