For individuals with questions about vaccines, Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are a good place to find reliable information. Vaccine Information Statements are documents published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that, “inform vaccine recipients – or their parents or legal representatives – about the benefits and risks of a vaccine they are receiving.”
Vaccine Information Statements are Available from Health Care Providers and Online
Whenever you or your child receives a vaccination, you are supposed to receive a copy of the associated VIS. As explained by the CDC:
“All vaccine providers, public or private, are required by the National Vaccine Childhood Injury Act (NCVIA – 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26[2 pages]) to give the appropriate VIS to the patient (or parent or legal representative) prior to every dose of specific vaccines. . . . The appropriate VIS must be given prior to the vaccination, and must be given prior to each dose of a multi-dose series. It must be given regardless of the age of the recipient.”
Providers may supply VISs in paper or electronic form; and, even if your provider shows you a laminated copy or an image on a computer screen, it must still offer you a copy to take home. Currently, Vaccine Information Statements are available for the following immunizations:
- Adenovirus
- Anthrax
- Cholera
- DTaP, Td and Tdap
- Hepatitis A and B
- Hepatitis B
- Hib
- HPV
- Influenza (flu shot and nasal spray)
- J. encephalitis
- MenACWY and MenB
- MMR and MMRV
- PCV13
- PPSV
- Polio – IPV
- Rabies
- Rotavirus
- Typhoid
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Yellow fever
- Zoster
Copies of the current Vaccine Information Statements for these vaccines are available on immunize.org, which is supported by the CDC.
What Information Does a Vaccine Information Statement Provide?
Vaccine Information Statements provide a wide range of information about the CDC’s recommended vaccinations. For example, in the VIS for the annual flu shot, you will find information regarding:
- The benefits and limitations of the flu shot
- Risks and symptoms associated with the flu
- Proper dosage, scheduling and vaccine administration
- Risk factors that may warrant not getting the flu shot
- Potential adverse reactions to the flu shot
- What to do if you or a family member experiences an adverse reaction
- How to find information about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
- How to contact the CDC
Other Vaccine Information Statements contain similar information. While you should receive a copy of the appropriate VIS each time you get vaccinated, reviewing the VIS before you go to the doctor’s office, clinic or pharmacy can be helpful if you have questions. Of course, if you have any concerns about your health or the risks associated with getting immunized, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor.
Nationwide Legal Representation for VICP Claims
Our firm provides nationwide legal representation for individuals and families who have claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). If you would like to speak with a vaccine injury lawyer about your legal rights, we encourage you to call 202-775-9200 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.