Parental experiences with vaccine information statements: Implications for timing, delivery, and parent-provider immunization communication

Abstract

ObjectiveWe examined Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) dissemination practices and parental use and perceptions. MethodsWe conducted a national online panel survey of 2603 US parents of children aged <7. Primary outcomes included reported VIS receipt, delivery timing, reading experiences, and perceived utility. ResultsMost parents received a VIS (77.2%; [95% CI: 74.5–79.7%]), 59.7% [56.6–62.7%] before vaccination but 14.5% [12.5–16.8%] reported receiving it after their child’s immunization; 15.1% [13.0–17.6%] were unsure of receipt status or timing; another 10.7% [9.0–12.6%] reported non-receipt of a VIS. Less than half who received a VIS before vaccination completed it before vaccination (46.2% [42.4, 50.0%]), but most who read at least some found the information useful (95.7% [93.8–97.0%]). Parents who delayed or refused at least one recommended non-influenza vaccine reported fewer opportunities to ask providers VIS questions. ConclusionsMost parents report receiving VIS before vaccination as per federal guidelines. Continued effort is needed to enhance VIS distribution practice and parent-provider VIS content communication.