Influenza
Seasonal influenza vaccine safety surveillance studies took place between 2009-2020 and 2022
Location: Canada
Study Summary
From 2009 to 2011, CANVAS examined the short and long term safety of the 2009 AS03 adjuvanted monovalent pandemic vaccine among health care workers at acute care hospitals, and assessed the acceptability and feasibility of self-reporting for adverse events following influenza immunization through an active web-based electronic surveillance.
The high response rate and acceptability of the online report method suggested that the web-based self-reporting for adverse event following immunization had the potential for rapid assessments of adverse event following immunization (AEFI) in mass or new immunization programs.
Since 2012, the network has extended its coverage to the general population including children to provide real-time safety information to public health authorities.
Research
Summaries
In 2009, the National Ambulatory Network (now CANVAS) was established to quickly assess influenza vaccine safety, later expanding in 2012 to monitor vaccines in children. An online survey, supplemented by telephone follow-ups, tracked health issues post-vaccination requiring medical attention or affecting daily activities. Of 1,230 parent respondents (83% participation), health events that prevented daily activities/school or required a medical visit occurred in 4.7% of children vaccinated, with similar rates observed for both trivalent inactivated and live attenuated influenza vaccines (4.0% vs. 5.1%). Online and telephone reporting showed comparable results. The electronic surveillance proved effective, providing rapid and acceptable vaccine safety data in children.
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A Canadian National Vaccine Safety network (CANVAS) study analyzed data to investigate associations between seasonal influenza vaccination and severe anesthesia/paresthesia (numbness or tingling) or severe headaches. Participants reported events occurring within seven days post-vaccination that impacted daily life or required medical attention. Results showed no significant association between influenza vaccination and severe anesthesia/paresthesia. However, there was a slight association with severe headaches, though rates were similar to those seen in clinical trials and are not a cause for heightened concern.
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As with any events reports, not all symptoms reported may be caused by the vaccine. They may be coincidental and/or due to other causes.