What is the name of the document published by the CDC that describes the risks and benefits of a vaccine in lay terms?

The Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) is a critical resource published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that presents information about the risks and benefits of specific vaccines in language that is easily understandable for the general public. This document is designed to ensure that patients receive essential information before vaccinations, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their health. Each VIS is specifically tied to a vaccine, detailing key points about its efficacy, side effects, and the importance of vaccination, thereby promoting patient education and safety.

Other documents, such as the Patient Care Process or the Adult Immunization Schedule, serve different purposes. The Patient Care Process outlines the steps for providing care to patients generally and does not focus specifically on vaccines. The Adult Immunization Schedule provides a timetable for when vaccines should be administered but does not delve into the specifics of risks and benefits in lay terms. The Screening Checklist for Contraindications is a tool to assess patients' eligibility for certain vaccines based on their health history, but again, it is not focused on educating them about the vaccines themselves. Hence, the Vaccine Information Statement is the specifically tailored document aimed at patient education concerning vaccines.