Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Where should adverse events related to vaccines be reported?

1. National Immunization Registry

2. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

3. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

4. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The correct answer is: Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)

The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is specifically designed for the collection and analysis of adverse events related to vaccines. Established by the CDC and the FDA, VAERS plays a critical role in monitoring the safety of vaccines after they have been authorized for use. It provides a platform for healthcare providers, patients, and manufacturers to report any adverse events that may occur following vaccination, ensuring that potential safety concerns can be identified and investigated systematically. While other entities like the National Immunization Registry, CDC, and FDA are involved in various aspects of vaccine safety and public health, they do not serve as the primary reporting mechanism for adverse events. The National Immunization Registry focuses on tracking immunization status, whereas the CDC and FDA also engage in overall vaccine safety monitoring and policy, but VAERS is the dedicated system for reporting adverse events. Thus, proper channeling of adverse event reports through VAERS is vital for ongoing vaccine safety surveillance.