Immunization resources for health care providers
Report clinically significant adverse events that occur after vaccination
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The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety surveillance program co-sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VAERS collects and analyzes information from reports of adverse events following immunization. VAERS encourages the reporting of any clinically significant adverse event that occurs after the administration of any vaccine licensed in the United States. You should report clinically significant adverse events even if you are unsure whether a vaccine caused the event.
The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) requires health care providers to report:
- Any event listed by the vaccine manufacturer as a contraindication to subsequent doses of the vaccine.
- Any event listed in the Reportable Events Table that occurs within the specified time period after vaccination.
A copy of the Reportable Events Table can be obtained by calling VAERS at 1-800-822-7967 or by downloading it from http://vaers.hhs.gov/pubs.htm
Who can report to VAERS?
Anyone can report to VAERS. The majority of VAERS reports are sent in by vaccine manufacturers (42%) and health care providers (30%). The remaining reports are obtained from state immunization programs (12%), vaccine recipients (or their parent/guardians, 7%) and other sources (9%). Vaccine recipients or their parents or guardians are encouraged to seek the help of their health care professional in filling out the VAERS form.
How do I report to VAERS?
You should use a VAERS report form to report any adverse event. You can obtain pre-addressed postage paid report forms by calling VAERS at 1-800-822-7967. You may use photocopies of the form to submit reports. You may also download printable copies of the VAERS form as well as other information about the VAERS Program from the following Internet sites:
How can I get more information on VAERS?
There are four ways to obtain information about the VAERS program:
- Send e-mail inquiries to info@vaers.org
- Visit the VAERS Web site at: http://vaers.hhs.gov
- Call the toll-free VAERS information line at (800) 822-7967
- Fax inquiries to the toll-free information fax line at (877) 721-0366
Provider education and training
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Recommended immunization schedules
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- Health Advisory: A law passed in 2006 in Washington requires that children under 3 years and pregnant women must be given only thimerosal-free vaccine. More information about this law. Single-dose vials and prefilled syringes are thimerosal-free and for influenza vaccine, are available in the dosage for children age 6 months through 35 months and for children three years and older and adults through Public Health clinics and other providers in King County.
- Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule (PDF):
Vaccinating people with specific medical conditions
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Contraindications, precautions and adverse reactions
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If you are referring your patient to Public Health for hepatitis B immune globulin, you must contact the Public Health clinic near you to arrange for this or call Public Health's Communicable Disease and Epidemiology at 206-296-4774.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
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As of May 1, 2007, HPV vaccine is available through the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program.
Vaccine information and resources
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Immunization resources providers shouldn't be without
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Immunization Resources Providers Shouldn't Be Without (PDF) Book and CDs:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases ("The Pink Book"), 10th edition, January 2007. To order a copy, call the Public Health Foundation at 877-252-1200. Cost is $29.00 plus shipping & handling.
- 2006 Red Book: Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, 27th edition. American Academy of Pediatrics. To order a copy, call 1-888-227-1770.
- "Immunization Works" CD (2007, item #99-6711). Includes all ACIP statements, all VISs, Pink Book, Surveillance Manual, items on Immunization Survey, Vaccine Safety, Immunization Registries, VACMAN, CASA, and related articles and letters (limit 6 CDs per order). Order from CDC's web site.
Websites:
- Immunization Action Coalition/Hepatitis B Coalition
- Vaccine Information
- National Network for Immunization Information
- Public Health - Seattle & King County Immunization Program
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Washington Department of Health Immunization Program
Email, fax and phone numbers:
- Public Health - Seattle & King County:
- Immunization Program: 206-296-4774
- Communicable Disease Hotline: 206-296-4949
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- National Immunization Program e-mail address: nipinfo@cdc.gov
- Telephone consultation: CDC-INFO Contact Center, staffed 8 am-11pm (EST) English and Spanish: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
- CDC Fax Information Service: 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299)
- Washington State Immunization Program:
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