What are Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)?
Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) are
documents produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that provide essential information about vaccines. VIS are designed to help vaccine recipients or their guardians make informed decisions by explaining the benefits and risks of vaccines. They are required by law to be given out before certain vaccines are administered.
Why are VIS important?
VIS play a crucial role in ensuring informed consent. They serve as an educational tool to help people understand the
benefits of vaccination and the potential risks associated with it. By providing clear and comprehensible information, VIS help to address concerns, debunk myths, and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
What information is typically included in a VIS?
A typical VIS includes information about the disease the vaccine prevents, the vaccine itself, who should and should not receive it, potential side effects, and what to do in case of a serious reaction. VIS also contain information about the
Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which is a national system for monitoring vaccine safety.
When should VIS be provided?
Healthcare providers are legally required to provide the appropriate VIS to patients or their guardians before administering vaccines covered under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act. This ensures that recipients have the opportunity to read the statement and ask any questions they may have prior to vaccination. How are VIS updated?
The CDC regularly reviews and updates VIS to ensure they reflect the most current information and recommendations. Updates are made based on new scientific evidence, changes in vaccine recommendations, or when a new vaccine is licensed. It's important for
healthcare providers to use the most recent version of a VIS, which can be accessed on the CDC’s website.
Are VIS available in multiple languages?
Yes, the CDC provides VIS in multiple languages to ensure non-English speaking populations can access the information. This is part of an effort to reduce
health disparities and ensure equitable access to vaccine information for everyone, regardless of language barriers.
What should be done if a patient has questions after reading a VIS?
If a patient or parent has questions after reading a VIS, they should discuss them with their healthcare provider. It's essential for healthcare providers to be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information or reassurance to help individuals make informed decisions about vaccination. How do VIS relate to informed consent?
VIS are an integral part of the informed consent process for vaccination. By providing comprehensive information about the risks and benefits of a vaccine, VIS ensure that individuals can make knowledgeable decisions regarding their health. Informed consent is a fundamental ethical and legal requirement in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of
patient autonomy.
Can VIS be used in electronic form?
Yes, VIS can be provided in electronic form, such as through a tablet or computer screen, as long as the patient has the opportunity to read it before vaccination. This flexibility allows healthcare providers to incorporate VIS into electronic health records (EHR) systems, making it easier to manage and document the distribution of VIS.
