Pharmacies are able to perform many services for their customers and the residents in the nearby vicinity. Their main function, and what many people think of when they hear the word “pharmacy”, is to dispense medication as prescribed by a doctor or offer customers recommendations for over-the-counter medications to ease their symptoms. The prescription can be received through a paper copy brought in by the patient or received directly from the doctor’s office, either over the phone or electronically if the doctor’s office is linked to the pharmacy’s system. The pharmacist will not only verify and fill the prescription, but they will also make sure there aren’t any negative interactions between it and other medications the patient is taking. The pharmacy also participates in drug utilization reviews, which involve managing their patient’s therapy and monitoring the effectiveness and interactions of the medication. Pharmacies are also able to administer immunizations, although the type of vaccines and ages of patients who can receive an immunization through a pharmacy will vary by state.