What is the first step in the vaccine preparation process?

The first step in the vaccine preparation process is to wash hands and sanitize the work environment. This step is critical as it helps to maintain a sterile and safe environment, which is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring the safety of both the healthcare provider and the patient. Proper hand hygiene and sanitization practices are fundamental in any medical procedure, especially when handling vaccines, as they can help reduce the risk of infections and complications.

Before proceeding to any other activities, such as gathering supplies or verifying vaccine orders, ensuring that the workspace is clean and that hands are free from contaminants establishes a solid foundation for the entire preparation process. This step is in line with best practices in infection control and emphasizes the importance of maintaining cleanliness in health-related tasks.