Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)
The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national program co-managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Established in 1990, VAERS serves as an early warning system to monitor the safety of vaccines licensed in the United States.
Key Functions of VAERS:
Reporting an Adverse Event:
If you experience an adverse event following vaccination, VAERS recommends:
Important Considerations:
Key Functions of VAERS:
- Data Collection:
VAERS accepts reports of adverse events following vaccination from healthcare providers, vaccine manufacturers, and the public. These reports can be submitted electronically through the VAERS website. - Data Analysis:
The system analyzes data to identify concerns and trends related to vaccines. It's important to note that VAERS reports are unverified and are not sufficient to establish causality between a vaccine and an adverse event. - Public Access:
VAERS data is publicly accessible, allowing individuals to search and review reports. This transparency supports informed decision-making and research.
Reporting an Adverse Event:
If you experience an adverse event following vaccination, VAERS recommends:
- Contacting Your Healthcare Provider:
Seek medical advice to address any health concerns. - Submitting a Report:
You or your healthcare provider can submit a report to VAERS online or via a downloadable PDF form available on the VAERS website.
Important Considerations:
- Medical Emergencies:
In case of a medical emergency, contact a healthcare provider immediately or call 9-1-1. VAERS does not provide medical treatment, advice, or diagnosis. - Data Interpretation:
While VAERS is a valuable tool for monitoring vaccine safety, the reports alone cannot determine causation. Further studies are often required to assess whether a vaccine caused a particular adverse event.