Understanding CDC VIS Information Sheets: What You Need to Know
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vaccine Information Statements, or VISs, provide important information about vaccines and the diseases they prevent. VISs are required by law to be given to patients or their parents prior to vaccination in all healthcare settings in the United States. Understanding VISs can help you make informed decisions about vaccines for you and your family. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about VISs, including their purpose, content, and how to use them.
What Are Vaccine Information Statements?
Vaccine Information Statements are informational sheets provided by the CDC that are required by law to be given to anyone receiving certain vaccines. VISs are designed to inform patients or their parents about the benefits and risks of vaccines and the diseases they prevent. They also provide information about what to do if an adverse event occurs after getting vaccinated. VISs are available in multiple languages and are reviewed and updated by the CDC regularly.
What Information Is Included in a Vaccine Information Statement?
Each VIS provides information about a specific vaccine or group of vaccines. The information included in a VIS typically includes:
- The name of the vaccine
- The disease or diseases the vaccine prevents
- Who should get the vaccine
- Who should not get the vaccine
- Risks associated with the vaccine
- What to do if an adverse reaction occurs
- Where to go for more information
VISs are written in clear, easy-to-understand language to help patients or their parents make informed decisions about vaccines. They also provide important information about what to do if a vaccine does cause an adverse reaction, such as contacting a healthcare provider or filing an adverse event report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
How to Use Vaccine Information Statements
If you or your child is scheduled to receive a vaccine covered by a VIS, the provider should give you a copy of the relevant VIS before the vaccination. You should read the VIS carefully and ask any questions you may have. It’s important to take the time to fully understand the benefits and risks of vaccines before deciding whether or not to receive them.
If you do decide to get vaccinated, the provider will ask you to sign a document confirming that you have received and understood the information in the VIS. This document, known as an “acknowledgment of informed consent,” is required by law in order to protect patients and their rights to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
Conclusion
Vaccine Information Statements are an important tool for patients and their parents to make informed decisions about vaccines. They provide clear, concise information about the benefits and risks of vaccines and the diseases they prevent, as well as instructions for what to do if an adverse event occurs. If you’re unsure about vaccines or have questions about a particular vaccine, be sure to ask your healthcare provider for a VIS and take the time to read and understand it before making a decision.
