Tools and methods
To develop internationally harmonized tools and methods to support country vaccine safety activities
Vaccines are among the safest and most effective medical interventions. Yet, on very rare occasions, they may cause severe adverse events. Such events are extremely uncommon and may occur anywhere in the world.
It is important that vaccine safety monitoring methods, investigation procedures and public health responses are harmonized. Only then can safety data from one situation be used to help prevent problems in another.
Tools and methods for vaccine safety are rapidly evolving thanks to modern information technologies. WHO works with leading global experts with a range of expertise and from different backgrounds to develop standard procedures and methods.
International standardization of data records will facilitate the exchange of information and the global identification of vaccine safety signals.
Resources
Standard procedures and methodologies
- Information sheets on observed rates of vaccine reactions
- Safety of mass immunization campaigns - 2002 (pdf, 378kb)
- Supplementary information on vaccine safety. Part 2: Background rates of adverse events following immunization - 2000 (pdf, 363kb)
- WHO policy statement: The use of opened multi-dose vials of vaccine in subsequent immunization sessions - 2000 (pdf, 40kb)
- Definition and Application of Terms for Vaccine Pharmacovigilance: Report of CIOMS/WHO Working Group on Vaccine Pharmacovigilance, 2012
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Aide-memoire: how to address events allegedly attributable to vaccination or immunization?
pdf, 178kb -
Immunization safety - how to address events allegedly attributable to vaccination or immunization
pdf, 178kb - Brighton Collaboration - Case definitions