To use or not to use vaccine consent forms

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?!
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.

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...

Quote from xtxrnI 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...

Quote from MassEDwhen 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.

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

Quote from xtxrnThis isn't at a hospital- it's with the city....no pharmacist

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.

Quote from MassEDmaybe 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.

Quote from mickylynn969Hi 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.

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

Quote from xtxrnThat WAS the OP's situation....

and now I looked under Mickylynn's info and see "occupational health" ...didn't see that.woooops