KEYWORDS:
VAERS, data standards, immunization registries

BACKGROUND:
To improve the timeliness and accuracy of reporting to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS)a web-based system has been created and piloted. This system is intended to replace the current paper-based system. This session will describe a pilot project to develop the specification for incorporating adverse events reporting directly into immunization registries, so that adverse events can be linked to an actual administered dose, and then sent directly to CDC once reported.

OBJECTIVE(S):
1. To describe the process of developing the proposed standard for electronic reporting of adverse events from immunization registries
2. To review the standards setting process and how this effort is consistent
3. To review the collaboration created and pilot projects developed as a result of this project.

METHOD(S):
Power Point Presentation
Lecture and Discussion

RESULT(S):
A collaboration of private sector immunization registry vendors with CDC and other standards setting bodies can result in progress being made to further public health objectives to improve the monitoring of vaccine adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS(S):
Integrating VAERS reporting into immunization registries will require the proactive input of current registies so that a viable specification can be developed and lessons learned from pilot projects.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. To build support for the standards setting process
2. To increase understanding of the functional capabilities of immunization registries