http://www.childscreen.org/VIS.htm
Were these Federal Requirements followed for your child?
Instructions for the Use of Vaccine Information Statements
Required Use
1. Provide VIS when vaccination is given.
As required under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, all health care providers in the United States who administer any vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), varicella (chickenpox), or pneumococcal conjugate (effective 12/15/02) vaccine shall, prior to administration of each dose of the vaccine, provide a copy
to keep of the relevant current edition vaccine information materials that have been produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- to the parent or legal representative* of any child to whom the provider intends to administer such vaccine, or
- to any adult to whom the provider intends to administer such vaccine.
The materials shall be supplemented with visual presentations or oral explanations, as appropriate.
If there is not a single VIS for a combination vaccine (e.g., hepatitis A/Hepatitis B), use the VISsfor both component vaccines.
* "Legal representative" is defined as a parent or other individual who is qualified under State law to consent to the immunization of a minor.
2. Record information for each VIS provided.
Health care providers shall make a notation in each patient's permanent medical record at the time vaccine information materials are provided indicating (1) the edition date of the materials distributed and (2) the date these materials were provided.
This recordkeeping requirement supplements the requirement of 42 U.S.C. 300aa-25 that all health care providers administering these vaccines must record in the patient's permanent medical record (or in a permanent office log) the name, address and title of the individual who administers the vaccine, the date of administration and the vaccine manufacturer and lot number of the vaccine used.
Applicability of State Law
Health care providers should consult their legal counsel to determine additional State requirements pertaining to immunization. The Federal requirement to provide the vaccine information materials supplements any applicable State laws.
Availability of Copies
Single camera-ready copies of the vaccine information materials are available from State health departments. Copies are also available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at
http://www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/VIS. Copies are available in English and in other languages.
Current Editions of VIS's
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP/DT): 7/30/01
Tetanus Diphtheria (Td):6/10/94
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): 6/13/02
Hepatitis B: 7/11/01
Polio: 1/1/00
Haemophilus inflneuzae type b: 12/16/98
Varicella (chickenpox): 12/16/98
Pneumococcal conjugate: 9/30/02
Reference 42 U.S.C. Section 300aa-269/30/2002
Childscreen is currently conducting a poll to maintain that this Federal Law is followed.
The questions we would like you to answer are:
1. Did you receive a VIS at the time of vaccination?
2. For every vaccine that was received?
3. Did it change your decision to vaccinate?
4. Do you feel the information provided on the VIS was complete and accurate?
5. Do you feel it was provided to you in enough time to thoroughly read it and ask questions of the physician?
6. Please tell us what state you are from.
7. Please make any additional comments.
Answers may be sent to: Webmaster Please put in the suject line "POLL"
(to submit your comments, you have to go to the original website - see link on top of this post)
