Explaining the Benefits and Risks of Vaccines
Prior to the administration of each dose of vaccine covered under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA), all healthcare providers are required to provide the client, parent, or guardian with a copy of the current Vaccine Information Statement (VIS). These statements explain the benefits and risks of a vaccine and are prepared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. VISs are also available from the Immunization Action Coalition in many languages.
VISs are also available for some vaccines that are not covered under the NCVIA. These VISs must also be provided to the client, parent, or guardian prior to administering the vaccines.
The client, parent, or guardian must be given the opportunity to read this information or have it explained to them and have a chance to ask questions concerning the information prior to receiving a vaccine.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Vaccine Information Statements
- Instructions for the Use of Vaccine Information Statements
- Fact Sheet for Vaccine Information Statements
- Vaccine Information Statements: Myth Exposed!
