Which item is essential for minimizing infection during immunization?

Minimizing infection during immunization primarily involves ensuring that the skin is properly disinfected prior to the injection. Alcohol swabs are essential in this process because they help to clean the skin and reduce the number of pathogens present at the injection site. By using an alcohol swab, you effectively lower the risk of introducing bacteria into the body when the needle penetrates the skin, thereby helping to prevent infection.

The other items listed, while they serve important roles in the immunization process, do not directly impact the immediate prevention of infection at the injection site. Sharps containers are critical for the safe disposal of needles, cotton balls can be used for pressure at the injection site, and bandages serve to protect the injection site after immunization. However, none of these items contribute to the disinfection process that alcohol swabs provide immediately before the injection.