The “vis” in vis-à-vis comes from the French word visage, which means “face.” In English, the phrase is used both literally and figuratively when we want to compare something or say that something is facing something or is opposite to it. You can use vis-à-vis in several different ways.
What are Viss and why are they important?
What are VISs? Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients. Federal law requires that healthcare staff provide a VIS to a patient, parent, or legal representative before each dose of certain vaccines.
Why do we say “face” instead of “Vis” in French?
Because “vis” is also an ancient French word which has been altered into “visage” in modern French, and which means “face”. We usually use “vis-à-vis” when describing a house, an apartment and it is not directly related to people facing each other.
How do I read a vis?
The edition date of the VIS (found on the back at the right bottom corner). The date the VIS is provided (i.e., the date of the visit when the vaccine is administered). The office address and name and title of the person who administers the vaccine. The date the vaccine is administered. The vaccine manufacturer and lot number.
What is a vis and when is it required?
VISs are required by law. The appropriate VIS must be given prior to the vaccination, and must be given prior to each dose of a multi-dose series. It must be given regardless of the age of the recipient. See “ Ways to give a VIS “.
VISs are required by law
All vaccine providers, public or private, are required by the National Vaccine Childhood Injury Act (NCVIA – 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 pdf icon [2 pages] external icon ) to give the appropriate VIS to the patient (or parent or legal representative) prior to every dose of specific vaccines.
Ways to give a VIS
Paper copies of the VIS can be printed and given to patients prior to vaccination.
Where to get VISs
CDC maintains a current English language VIS for each vaccine. You and your patients can
Translations
VISs have been translated into about 40 languages. These can be found on the website of CDC’s partner, the Immunization Action Coalition external icon . Not every VIS has been translated into every language.
Other provider responsibilities
In addition to distributing VISs, as described above, providers are required to record specific information in the patient’s medical record (which can include an electronic medical record), or in a permanent office log:
