VISs ARE REQUIRED BY LAW
The Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine. 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. It must be given regardless of the age of the recipient. See “Ways to give a VIS“.
Ways to give a VIS
- Paper copies of the VIS can be printed and given to patients prior to vaccination.
- Permanent, laminated office copies may be given to patients to read prior to vaccination.
- Patients may view the VIS on a computer monitor or other video display.
- Patients may read the VIS on their phone or other digital device by downloading the pdf file from CDC’s website.
- Patients may be given a copy of the VIS during a prior visit, or told how to access it through the internet, so that they can read it in advance. These patients must still be offered a copy to read during the immunization visit; a patient may decline.
- VISs should be supplemented with visual presentations or oral explanations as appropriate
NOTE: To enroll in VIS email updates, click: About CDC’s Emails Subscription Service | Other | CDC
Other Provider Responsibilities
In addition to distributing VISs, as described above, providers are required to record specific information in the patient’s medical record (which can include an electronic medical record), or in a permanent office log:
- The edition date of the VIS (found on the back at the bottom right corner).
- The date the VIS is provided (i.e., the date of the visit when the vaccine is administered).
- The office address and name and title of the person who administers the vaccine.
- The date the vaccine is administered.
- The vaccine manufacturer and lot number
Vaccines Provided by the VFC Program and Guidelines
- COVID-19
- Influenza
- Poliomyelitis
- Dengue
- Measles
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Diphtheria
- Meningococcal
- Rotavirus
- Haemophilus influenzae type b
- Mpox
- Rubella
- Hepatitis A
- Mumps
- Tetanus
- Hepatitis B
- Pertussis (whooping cough)
- Varicella
- Human Papillomavirus
- Pneumococcal
VISs and VIS Translations
VISs have been translated into about 40 languages. These can be found on the CDC website, and the website of CDC’s partner, the Immunization Action Coalition. Not every VIS has been translated into every language.
