To use or not to use vaccine consent forms

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

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?!

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Specializes in ER.

where I work, in the ER, we don't have vaccine consent... for Tetorifice, 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.

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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...

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Specializes in ER.
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.

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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 :)

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

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

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Specializes in ER.
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.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

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.

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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....

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Specializes in Oncology, ID, Hepatology, Occy Health.
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.

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Yep, that's pretty much what I've been doing. My boss has since left. To me, it is not worth risking my license!

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Specializes in ER.
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....

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