Real-time safety surveillance of seasonal influenza vaccines in children, Australia, 2015

Euro Surveill. 2015;20(43). doi: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2015.20.43.30050.

Abstract

Increased febrile reactions in Australian children from one influenza vaccine brand in 2010 diminished confidence in influenza immunisation, highlighting the need for improved vaccine safety surveillance. AusVaxSafety, a national vaccine safety surveillance system collected adverse events in young children for 2015 influenza vaccine brands in real time through parent/carer reports via SMS/email. Weekly cumulative data on 3,340 children demonstrated low rates of fever (4.4%) and medical attendance (1.1%). Fever was more frequent with concomitant vaccination.

Keywords: Australia; Influenza; active surveillance; vaccine safety.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems*
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Bayes Theorem
  • Cell Phone
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electronic Mail
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Influenza Vaccines / administration & dosage*
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Influenza, Human / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Parents*
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Seasons
  • Text Messaging
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines