Information about rates of reactions to vaccines

WHO is developing information sheets that will summarize what is known about the rates of reactions following administration of specific vaccines. The information sheets are part of a series that will be made available on the WHO web site; their aim is to support national and regional regulatory health authorities as well as the staff of immunization programmes. The information sheets can be used as resources during the analysis, investigation and review of possible reactions to vaccines.

A range of experts are collaborating with WHO to develop and review the information sheets. As part of this process GACVS reviewed a draft introduction and 2 draft information sheets that provide data on rates of reactions following immunization with Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine and bacille Calmette–Guérin vaccine. The introduction outlines how the information sheets have been developed.

GACVS supports this initiative and recognizes the value of this resource. GACVS acknowledged that the information sheets are being developed from data derived from literature reviews and expert review rather than from a systematic review of data on each vaccine. GACVS recommended that the introduction describe the methods that have been used to develop the summaries so they can be interpreted appropriately.

The process of reviewing the information sheets and the role of GACVS was discussed. It was decided that each information sheet will be reviewed by experts. Subsequently, each revised information sheet will be reviewed by 2 GACVS members who will make final recommendations to the chair of GACVS regarding the release of the information sheet. It is expected that this process will be completed by early 2012.

Full report of GACVS meeting of 15-16 June 2011, published in the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record on 22 July 2011