What must individuals who are 18 years old or younger do when vaccinating patients?

When vaccinating patients who are 18 years old or younger, it is essential for health professionals to ensure that the patient and/or caregiver is aware of the importance of follow-up care with a primary care physician. This is crucial because primary care physicians can provide ongoing health assessments, manage any adverse reactions that may occur after vaccination, and keep comprehensive records of the patient's immunization history. By informing the patient or caregiver to follow up, it emphasizes the importance of continuity of care and ensures that any future healthcare needs are properly addressed, which is especially vital in pediatric populations.

Other choices may not meet the necessary standards for safe vaccination practices. Allowing individuals to administer vaccines without guidance does not ensure that appropriate procedures and guidelines are followed, potentially compromising patient safety. Documenting all patient visits is important but is more of a standard administrative practice rather than a specific requirement for those vaccinating patients under 18. Completing additional health assessments may be beneficial in some contexts but is not a universally required step for every vaccination scenario. Therefore, the emphasis on ensuring follow-up with a primary care physician is the most appropriate course of action when vaccinating younger patients.