Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)

A Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is a document that provides essential information about a vaccine to patients, parents, or their legal representatives before vaccination. It explains the benefits and risks of the vaccine to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Example #1

Before receiving a flu shot at a pharmacy, the pharmacist gives you a Vaccine Information Statement to read and understand.

Example #2

A parent receives a VIS from their child's healthcare provider when considering vaccinating their child against measles.

Misuse

Misusing a Vaccine Information Statement would involve withholding or altering critical information about a vaccine, which could mislead individuals into making uninformed decisions, potentially putting their health at risk. For example, a pharmacy intentionally failing to provide a VIS to a patient before administering a vaccine would be a misuse that undermines the patient's right to informed consent.

Benefits

The primary benefit of a Vaccine Information Statement is that it empowers patients with knowledge about the vaccine they are about to receive. By understanding the risks and benefits outlined in the VIS, individuals can make informed choices regarding their health and well-being. For instance, by reading a VIS, a patient learns about potential side effects of a vaccine and can discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider before proceeding with vaccination.

Conclusion

Vaccine Information Statements play a crucial role in promoting transparency and empowering individuals in making informed healthcare decisions. By ensuring that patients receive and understand the information provided in a VIS, healthcare professionals uphold consumer rights and support a fair and transparent healthcare system.

Related Terms

VaccinationHealth RecordPharmacistPatient