Vaccine safety: risk communication--a global perspective.
The complexity of risks connected with both vaccine-preventable diseases as well as with immunization will be discussed and used as the basis for conclusions: -what should be done to avoid damage to current and future immunization programs and -how to improve risk communication. The need for more complete data on true, perceived and unknown immunization risks necessitates strengthening our research capabilities as well as surveillance and vaccine safety programs, and to critically examine the factors influencing public sentiments, taking into account that public perceptions of risk vary depending on the characteristics of risk. A concerted effort is needed to improve benefit and risk communication at all levels. The medical community should play a key role for improved communication.
Communicable Disease and Immunization Programmes, World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark. sd.internat.consult@t-online.de
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Dittmann
D003142:Communication; D004165:Diphtheria / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D017277:Drug Approval; D006801:Humans; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011051:Poliomyelitis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D011786:Quality Control; D012306:Risk; D012449:Safety; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014611:Vaccination / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014612:Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000592:standards; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D014612:Vaccines