What is a crucial step before administering a vaccine?

Reviewing the patient’s medical history for contraindications is a vital step before administering a vaccine because it ensures the safety and efficacy of the vaccination process. Understanding the patient's medical history allows the healthcare provider to identify any previous severe reactions to vaccines, allergies, immunocompromising conditions, or specific health issues that may contraindicate a particular vaccine. This assessment is crucial in preventing adverse reactions and ensuring that the patient will benefit from the vaccination without undue risk.

In contrast, while assessing patient insurance coverage may help with administrative aspects of the vaccination process, it does not contribute to the clinical safety of the patient. Informing patients that vaccines are optional can undermine public health efforts, as vaccinations are essential for preventing disease spread. Finally, merely checking the vaccine's expiration date, although necessary, does not address the broader safety considerations related to the individual's health status before vaccination. Hence, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is the fundamental step to safeguard their health when administering vaccines.