To use or not to use vaccine consent forms

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by mickylynn969
Sep 1, '11   Views: 3,185   Comments: 20

  1. Hi all,

    I've been an RN since 1996. EVERY place I have EVER worked has required a signed consent form for vaccinations (childhood or adult.) I just recently moved to a new state and started working for the City. They DON'T use a consent form. Our boss made one up from the VIS and added a signature line, and vaccine info, the other nurses-RN and LPN refuse to use them. From what I can tell, it is not required, but why would you not do this? Thoughts?!
  2. Visit mickylynn969 profile page

    About mickylynn969

    Joined: Sep '11; Posts: 15; Likes: 8
    Occupational Health Nurse; from US
    Specialty: 15 year(s) of experience in Occupational Health

    20 Comments

    Comment
  3. by MassED
    Sep 1, '11
    where I work, in the ER, we don't have vaccine consent... for Tetanus, at least.

    I have worked in other state's ER's and we had to obtain vaccine consent. I'm puzzled by this as well, really.
  4. by xtxrn
    Sep 1, '11
    I would be uncomfortable with that. With all of the stuff about food allergies, all you need is someone to go by unnoticed w/an egg allergy, and you'd be looking for epi and 911...
  5. by MassED
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from xtxrn
    I would be uncomfortable with that. With all of the stuff about food allergies, all you need is someone to go by unnoticed w/an egg allergy, and you'd be looking for epi and 911...
    when it's ordered, the pharmacist verifies with their allergies. Just like any other medication. Also, as a responsible nurse you have to verify their allergies, again, prior to administering any med.

    That is also why we give the med then evaluate for 15 minutes prior to discharging them.
  6. by xtxrn
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from MassED
    when it's ordered, the pharmacist verifies with their allergies. Just like any other medication. Also, as a responsible nurse you have to verify their allergies, again, prior to administering any med.

    That is also why we give the med then evaluate for 15 minutes prior to discharging them.
    This isn't at a hospital- it's with the city....no pharmacist
  7. by Jolie
    Sep 1, '11
    As far as I understand from the CDC website, written consent is not required by federal law, but healthcare providers are legally bound to provide patients/guardians with the CDC VIS prior to administering a vaccine covered by National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act.

    Lots of good information here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/vis-facts.htm
  8. by MassED
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from xtxrn
    This isn't at a hospital- it's with the city....no pharmacist
    maybe with you, but what about the OP? If I were in a clinic, doctor's office, etc., I would have a vaccine consent, for sure.
  9. by mickylynn969
    Sep 1, '11
    One of our RN's works at an outpatient clinic and they do not use one either. I just wanted to get a general consensus, pros/cons, etc. from all of the folks who give vaccines! Without a consent, there is not "proof" that the patient was truly informed about the vaccine-in my opinion.
  10. by xtxrn
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from MassED
    maybe with you, but what about the OP? If I were in a clinic, doctor's office, etc., I would have a vaccine consent, for sure.
    That WAS the OP's situation....
  11. by DavidFR
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from mickylynn969
    Hi all,

    Our boss made one up from the VIS and added a signature line, and vaccine info, the other nurses-RN and LPN refuse to use them.

    Your boss has made one up so (s)he's evidently OK with the concept. Use it for your own protection and if your colleagues wish to put their licenses on the line, it's their look out. Your boss only has to make it unit policy and then their refusal becomes a disciplinary matter.
  12. by mickylynn969
    Sep 1, '11
    Yep, that's pretty much what I've been doing. My boss has since left. To me, it is not worth risking my license!
  13. by MassED
    Sep 1, '11
    Quote from xtxrn
    That WAS the OP's situation....
    she wrote she worked for the city, it didn't imply that was outpatient.

    That could be a city hospital....
  14. by MassED
    Sep 1, '11
    and now I looked under Mickylynn's info and see "occupational health" ...

    didn't see that.

    woooops

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