A pharmacist wishes to begin offering immunization for Gardasil at her pharmacy. Which of the following is needed?

In North Carolina, to provide immunizations such as Gardasil, a pharmacist must have a written protocol established with a physician. This protocol outlines the specific parameters under which the pharmacist can administer vaccines and is necessary for legal and regulatory compliance. The protocol serves as a collaborative practice agreement that ensures the pharmacist is working within the scope of practice defined by the physician, which helps to safeguard patient safety and ensure proper administration of vaccines.

While prescriptions and age requirements are important considerations in the context of immunizations, they are not sufficient on their own for the pharmacist to begin providing immunizations. The written protocol is the foundational document that allows a pharmacist to operate under a physician's authority and is essential for any immunization services offered in the pharmacy. Therefore, having this written protocol is the first step a pharmacist must take in order to legally administer Gardasil or any other vaccine.