Adverse Events Following Immunization: Separating Myths from Reality

Presented by:
Sean O'Leary, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics
Sections of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and General Academic Pediatrics
Children's Outcomes Research / Children's Hospital Colorado

Vaccines are safe, effective, and are considered one of the most successful public health interventions ever developed. While vaccines have a commendable safety record, they are often placed under increased scrutiny compared to therapeutics because they are administered to healthy individuals who may not feel at risk for vaccine preventable diseases. Vaccine safety is monitored closely through rigorous clinical trials, pre- and post-liscensure studies, and analysis of adverse event reporting through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).

Despite the many studies demonstrating no causal link between vaccines and autism, asthma, and numerous other conditions, some parents remain misinformed on these issues. While the true vaccine risks are very rare and minor, providers should be aware of these risks and be prepared to communicate properly with parents regarding their concerns.

Objectives included:

• Discuss the importance of un- and under-immunized children related to disease prevention and herd immunity
• Explain how vaccine safety is monitored in the US
• Clarify conditions not caused by vaccines
• Discuss adverse events that can be caused by vaccines, as well as undetermined risks being studied that may be caused by vaccines

Presenter Bio:
Sean O'Leary, MD, MPH, is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado. He received a BA in Environmental Studies from Brown University in 1991 and graduated from University of Texas Houston Medical School in 1996. After completing pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver in 1999, he moved to Fort Collins where he practiced as a general pediatrician for 8 years. He currently is an Assistant Professor with a joint appointment in the sections of General Academic Pediatrics and Pediatric Infectious Diseases. His research interests include immunization delivery, vaccine safety, and vaccine hesitancy. Dr. O'Leary is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. On a personal note, Dr. O’Leary is married and has two children. He will be honored at CCIC's annual S.O.U.P.! fundraising event as the 2014 SOUPer hero for his contributions to immunization advocacy work during the 2014 legislative session.

Vaccine-Adverse-Events-Separating-Myth-from-Reality-to-Share