Which technique is NOT recommended when preparing a vaccine?

The choice to skip the swabbing of the vial is not recommended as it introduces the risk of contamination. When preparing a vaccine, it is crucial to maintain a sterile environment to prevent introducing pathogens that could compromise the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

Using an alcohol pad to swab the vial is a standard practice that helps to disinfect the rubber stopper and minimize the potential for contamination from handling. Checking the expiration date ensures that the vaccine is still viable and effective, while documenting the lot number is essential for tracking and ensuring accountability in case of any adverse events or recalls related to specific batches. Each of these actions promotes safety and integrity in the vaccination process, making skipping the swabbing an unacceptable practice.