What is an effective way to communicate information about vaccines to patients?

Providing Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) is an effective way to communicate information about vaccines to patients because these documents are designed specifically to inform recipients about the benefits and risks of specific vaccines. VIS are standardized forms that are produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are mandated by federal law to be provided to patients or their guardians when a vaccine is administered. They contain clear and concise information about what the vaccine is for, potential side effects, and how it works, which aids in informed decision-making.

Using VIS demonstrates to patients that their healthcare provider is following recommended guidelines and prioritizing informed consent. Patients are likely to feel more comfortable and confident in their vaccination choices when they have access to authoritative, easy-to-understand information that they can read and reference.

Other approaches, such as recommending patients do their own research online, may lead to misinformation or confusion, as not all online sources are credible. Scheduling a brief counseling session may not allow enough time to thoroughly discuss vital information, and while town-hall events can engage the community, they may not provide personalized information that is relevant to the individual patient’s circumstances. Therefore, using VIS stands out as a direct, systematic approach to ensure patients receive accurate and comprehensive vaccine information.