When comparing Hep-B and Hep-C, what is true about pharmacists' capabilities?

The assertion that pharmacists can screen for Hep-C and vaccinate for Hep-B highlights the critical role pharmacists play in public health and disease prevention. Hepatitis B vaccination is an important preventive measure, and pharmacists are trained and authorized in many jurisdictions to administer vaccines, thereby helping enhance vaccination rates within the community. Additionally, Hep-C screening, which involves conducting tests to identify the presence of the Hepatitis C virus in individuals, is increasingly part of pharmacists' responsibilities, particularly due to their accessibility and the rising prevalence of Hep-C.

In contrast, while pharmacists can provide education on both diseases, their role in providing treatment is more limited. Treatment for hepatitis infections typically requires specialized knowledge and oversight from healthcare providers, such as physicians, due to the complexity of antiviral therapies and the need for ongoing monitoring of patients' health. Therefore, while pharmacists serve as valuable providers of screening and vaccination, the capacity to treat these diseases directly is less common. This dual capability of screening and vaccination illustrates the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists in managing public health concerns related to hepatitis infections.