The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national system in the United States where anyone can report potential side effects or adverse events that occur after vaccination. This includes reports from healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers. VAERS is designed to collect and analyze data on the safety of vaccines, helping to ensure that vaccines are safe for public use.
VAERS matters for health because it plays a crucial role in monitoring vaccine safety. By collecting reports of adverse events, health authorities can identify patterns or signals that may indicate a safety issue with a specific vaccine. This information is vital for public health officials to make informed decisions about vaccination programs and to protect the health of the community.
The basic function of VAERS is to gather data on adverse events following vaccination. This includes a wide range of reactions, from mild side effects to more serious health issues. While VAERS cannot determine if a vaccine caused an event, it provides a platform for ongoing monitoring and investigation, which is essential for maintaining public trust in vaccination efforts.
It is important to note that reporting to VAERS is voluntary, and not all adverse events are reported. However, the data collected by VAERS is valuable for ensuring the ongoing safety of vaccines and for addressing any concerns that may arise in the future.