title: Rapid online identification of adverse events after influenza immunization in children by PCIRN's National Ambulatory Network.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A National Ambulatory Network was created in 2009 to rapidly assess the safety of influenza vaccines. In 2012, the network was expanded to monitor the safety of live attenuated influenza vaccine and trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used an online survey administered 7 days after influenza immunization to track new or exacerbated health problems that required medical consultation or prevented daily activities. Parents of immunized children completed the survey. Reported adverse events were followed up by telephone within 48 hours of the online report. A sample of nonresponders was contacted by telephone to ensure the online responder group was representative. Event rates after the 2 influenza vaccines were compared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1230 parents completed an online or telephone survey, for a participation rate of 83%: 72% responded online and an additional 11% were reached by telephone. The rate of severe events in children immunized with an influenza vaccine was 4.7% (3.5-5.9%). The frequency and types of events reported were similar between online and telephone reports. Reported rates of severe events were similar after trivalent inactivated influenza or live attenuated influenza vaccine (4.0% vs. 5.1%, respectively). The online survey was easy to access and understand. Most respondents (94%) would participate next year.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate and type of adverse events after immunization with trivalent inactivated influenza versus live attenuated influenza vaccine were similar and did not vary by reporting process (online vs. telephone). The electronic surveillance methodology provided rapid vaccine safety data in children. The electronic survey methodology was acceptable and feasible.
authors.affiliation: From the *Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia; †Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta; and ‡Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Julie A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bettinger
authors.forename: Otto G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Vanderkooi
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacDonald
authors.forename: James D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Kellner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009862:Online Systems
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines