Safety
MMR vaccine does not cause autism. Examine the evidence.
There is no scientific evidence that MMR vaccine causes autism. The question about a possible link between MMR vaccine and autism has been extensively reviewed by independent groups of experts in the United States, including the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (now renamed the National Academy of Medicine). These reviews have concluded that the available epidemiologic evidence does not support a causal link between MMR vaccine and autism
Vaccine Safety Communication in the Digital Age
The second face-to-face meeting of the Vaccine Safety Net (VSN) was held on 4–5 June 2018, bringing together 89 participants, including 60 VSN representatives from 27 countries in all six World Health Organization regions. Members of the VSN were invited to discuss approaches, strategies and challenges in managing digital information and communications on vaccine safety in a credible way.
Network members and selected stakeholders discussed strategies to address Internet users’ information needs, reviewed ways to communicate the safety of vaccine through digital and social media and debated the pertinence of addressing controversies and vaccine hesitancy in the digital sphere. Participants were invited to think “outside the box” and find new ideas to sustain confidence in vaccines on the web.
The digital world makes it possible to reach millions of people with strategic information. It also offers the possibility of directing tailored messages that address the interests and sensitivity of specific audiences. The meeting documented important progress in the Network, in terms of both size and diversity and also the range of activities.
The VSN is breaking new ground by taking advantage of the diverse skills of its members. Digital campaigns, web analytics and social media listening are likely to enhance the impact of the Network. New initiatives have been launched to address vaccine hesitancy that have taught us valuable lessons. A long list of actionable items was retained. They range from broadening the VSN membership to selective communication strategies and include expansion, development of new tools and refinement of existing ones, establishment of new activities and training.
Use of a new global indicator for vaccine safety surveillance and trends in adverse events following immunization reporting 2000–2015
Reporting of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) is a key component for functional vaccine safety monitoring system. The aim of this study is to document trends in the AEFI reporting ratio globally and across the six World Health Organization (WHO) regions.
Canada's eight-component vaccine safety system: A primer for health care workers
Concerns about vaccine safety make some parents hesitant about immunization. Health care providers are pivotal in helping parents understand that Canada is a leader in vaccine safety. The present practice point provides an update on the eight components of Canada’s vaccine safety system: (1) an evidence-based pre-license review and approval process; (2) strong regulations for manufacturers; (3) independent evidence-based vaccine use recommendations; (4) immunization competency training and standards for health care providers; (5) pharmacovigilance programs to detect and (6) determine causality of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs); (7) a program for vaccine safety and efficacy signal detection; and (8) the Canadian Immunization Research Network’s special immunization clinics for children who have experienced serious AEFIs.
Canada’s eight-component vaccine safety system: A primer for health care workers
Concerns about vaccine safety make some parents hesitant about immunization. Health care providers are pivotal in helping parents understand that Canada is a leader in vaccine safety. The present practice point provides an update on the eight components of Canada’s vaccine safety system.
Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS)
The Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety (GACVS) was established in 1999 to respond promptly, efficiently, and with scientific rigour to vaccine safety issues of potential global importance. The Committee provides independent, authoritative, scientific advice to WHO on vaccine safety issues of global or regional concern with the potential to affect in the short or long term national immunization programmes.
Global Vaccine Safety (WHO)
Provides access to factual information, global policies, best practices and resource documents, including training and communication material, in the area of immunization safety.
IMPACT : Canadian Immunization Monitoring Program, ACTive
IMPACT is a pediatric hospital-based national active surveillance network for vaccine-preventable associated adverse events, vaccine failures and selected infectious diseases in children that are, or are soon to be, vaccine preventable.
Institute for Vaccine Safety
Discusses current vaccine issues including thimerosal, polio vaccine and HIV. Provides an independent assessment of vaccines and vaccine safety to help guide decision makers and educate physicians, the public and the media about key issues surrounding the safety of vaccines.