Vaccine Safety Monitoring
CDC monitors the safety of vaccines by:
- Performing high-quality vaccine safety research.
- Making determinations about whether vaccines caused reactions in certain cases and helping to learn about preventable risk factors.
- Identifying vaccine adverse events through public health surveillance.
CDC’s Immunization Safety Office conducts four primary vaccine safety activities:
An early warning system that helps CDC and FDA monitor problems following vaccination. Anyone can report suspected vaccine reactions and issues to VAERS.
A partnership between CDC and several medical centers that conduct clinical research on vaccine-associated health risks in certain groups of people.
A collaboration between CDC and several health care organizations that allows ongoing monitoring and proactive searches of vaccine-related data.
In the event of a disease outbreak in which a mass vaccination campaign is needed, CDC activates emergency preparedness activities to ensure that vaccines remain safe.