NURS 504 Health Nursing Question3 -VAERS

NURS 504 Health Nursing Question3 -VAERS

NURS 504 Health Nursing Question3 -VAERS

Health/Nursing Topic Question 3: VAERS

In 1986, the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) required the reporting of certain adverse events following routinely recommended vaccines to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In November 1990, the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) was put in place to assist with the reporting of adverse events. VAERS is managed jointly by the Centers for Disease Control and the Food and Drug Administration. The information collected by the VAERS system is used by vaccine manufacturers as well as government agencies. The information collected into the VAERS system is used to detect vaccine adverse events, monitor increases in adverse events, and determine any patient risk factors for specified types of adverse events (Zhou et al., 2003). Adverse events can be reported by anyone including the patient, vaccine manufacturer, and healthcare professionals. Any adverse event can be reported to the VAERS system. Adverse events are defined as:

…all spontaneous reports of adverse experiences occurring within the United States, whether serious, nonserious, expected or unexpected, and all serious and unexpected adverse experiences occurring outside of the United States or reported in scientific and medical journals as case reports or as the result of formal clinical trials (Zhou, et. al, 2003, pp 2).

Serious events are those which result in “…death, death, life-threatening illness, hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization, or permanent disability” (Zhou et al., 2003, pp 2).

There are two ways to report vaccine adverse effects on the VAERS system. There is an only reporting system where you can type information directly into the webpage to be compiled by the VAERS system. The other way is through a downloadable form which can then be mailed, faxed, or uploaded to VAERS. There are multiple pieces of information included in the reporting system. The personal identifying information is kept confidential. After information is provided to the VAERS system, reporters can be contacted by VAERS staff for further information regarding the patient or adverse event. Information can be provided to the VAERS system without patient consent. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, patient information can be released if it is part of a public health activity (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.).

The Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration uses the information in VAERS to detect patterns related to certain vaccines. This information is then used to protect the public from dangers related to those vaccines. The VAERS system is in place to keep vaccinations as safe as possible for the public.

Biblical Principle

The VAERS system was implemented to keep the public safe when receiving vaccinations. The Bible talks about both physical and spiritual safety. God promised to keep his people safe if they followed His commandments. Jesus came to the earth to provide spiritual safety for those who believe in Him. Though physical safety is paramount, spiritual safety is essential. Jesus provides us with spiritual safety and security for eternity by covering our sins with his blood giving us the ability to enter the security of Heaven’s gates. “Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared” (Proverbs 3:23-26, New International Version).

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Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Information for healthcare providers. Retrieved from https://vaers.hhs.gov/resources/infoproviders.html

Zhou, W., Pool, V., Iskander, J., English-Bullard, R., Ball, R., Wise, R., & … Chen, R. (2003). Surveillance for safety after immunization: Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) — United States, 1991-2001 [corrected] [published erratum appears in MMWR MORB MORTAL WKLY REP 2003 Feb 14;52(6):113]. MMWR: Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, 52(RR-1), 1-24. Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=4&sid=62310584-e3ef-4be9-bef9-63deaed192a8%40sessionmgr103