Educate the Parent or Patient

Reference

• Vaccine Information Statements(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/current-vis.html)
• Find VISs translated into other languages
• Resources for educating parents about vaccines for adolescents
• HPV: Answering the Questions Parents May Have
• Sign up(https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/index.html) for e-mail alerts to be notified when VISs are updated

Job Aid

• Talking with Parents about Vaccines for Infants
• After the Shots… What to do if your child has discomfort
• What to Expect After Receiving Vaccines

Health care personnel should be prepared to provide comprehensive vaccine information. Studies show:

• A strong recommendation from a health care provider is the single most important factor in determining whether or not someone gets vaccinated.
• People want clear and consistent information about vaccines.

Vaccine information statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by CDC that explain the benefits and risks of a vaccine. Federal law mandates that a VIS must be given:

• To anyone receiving a vaccine or to that person’s parent or caregiver
• Every time a dose of vaccine is administered, even if the patient has received that vaccine or VIS before
• Before administering the vaccine to allow time for questions

In addition, be sure to provide after-care instructions. These should include information on when to seek medical attention and strategies to decrease side effects such as injection site pain, fever, or fussiness.