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9.3.5.3: Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)

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    90381
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    CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are essential educational materials provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to inform vaccine recipients, their parents, or legal representatives about the benefits and risks associated with vaccines. VISs facilitate informed decision-making regarding vaccinations and promote vaccine safety and public health. VISs serve as a crucial communication tool to ensure that individuals receiving vaccines have access to clear and comprehensive information about the vaccine, its potential side effects, and the importance of vaccination. The goal is to help recipients make informed decisions about vaccination based on their personal circumstances and medical history.

    Healthcare providers are required by law in the United States to provide a copy of the appropriate VIS to vaccine recipients or their parents/legal representatives before administering specific vaccines. This requirement is mandated by the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) to enhance vaccine safety and the informed consent process.

    Each VIS contains specific information related to a particular vaccine, including

    • The name of the vaccine.
    • Why the vaccine is recommended.
    • A description of the disease(s) the vaccine prevents.
    • The recommended vaccination schedule.
    • Possible side effects or adverse reactions.
    • Who should or should not receive the vaccine.
    • What to do in case of an adverse event.

    VISs are available in multiple languages to accommodate diverse populations in the United States. Healthcare providers should offer the appropriate language version to ensure that individuals can fully understand the information provided. Healthcare providers typically provide a copy of the relevant VIS to the vaccine recipient, parent, or legal representative before vaccination. Depending on their practice's policies and patient preferences, they may use printed copies, electronic versions, or both. After reviewing the VIS, healthcare providers should address any questions or concerns the recipient or their representative may have.

    The medical assistant is responsible for ensuring that the most current issue of the VIS is presented to the patient. Presentation of the VIS to the patient must be documented along with the publication date of the VIS. The date can be found at the bottom of the VIS PDF form available from the website CDC Vaccine Information Statements [www.cdc.gov].

    See the image below at the bottom of a VIS statement. Note the date of publication.

    CDC VIS Statement(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023a).


    This page titled 9.3.5.3: Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Anna Jannak (Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI)) .

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