During a clinic visit, the parent refuses vaccines for their infant. Which action should the nurse take?

During a clinic visit, the parent refuses vaccines for their infant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a new appointment to discuss vaccines
• B. Provide the parent with a vaccine information sheet (VIS)
• C. Proceed with vaccination without consent
• D. Explain to the parent that vaccines are mandatory

Answer: (B)

Presenting a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the parent is the best next step because it supports informed decision-making by providing clear, standardized information about the vaccine’s benefits, risks, and potential side effects before any shot is given. The VIS is part of the documented consent process, confirming that the parent has received important details to discuss with the clinician and make an educated choice for their infant. This approach respects the parent’s role in deciding about their child’s health, while also creating a foundation for a constructive conversation that can address concerns, myths, and questions. If concerns persist, the nurse should continue the discussion, review the child’s medical history for any true contraindications, and reinforce the recommended immunization schedule, offering additional resources as needed. It is not appropriate to vaccinate without consent, nor to imply vaccines are mandatory, and postponing discussion can leave the child unprotected.

Presenting a Vaccine Information Statement (VIS) to the parent is the best next step because it supports informed decision-making by providing clear, standardized information about the vaccine’s benefits, risks, and potential side effects before any shot is given. The VIS is part of the documented consent process, confirming that the parent has received important details to discuss with the clinician and make an educated choice for their infant. This approach respects the parent’s role in deciding about their child’s health, while also creating a foundation for a constructive conversation that can address concerns, myths, and questions. If concerns persist, the nurse should continue the discussion, review the child’s medical history for any true contraindications, and reinforce the recommended immunization schedule, offering additional resources as needed. It is not appropriate to vaccinate without consent, nor to imply vaccines are mandatory, and postponing discussion can leave the child unprotected.