Related Experiment Videos
Feasibility study for identifying adverse events attributable to vaccination by record linkage
J Q Nash1, M Chandrakumar, C P Farrington
1Public Health Laboratory, William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, Kent.
Epidemiology and Infection
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Linking hospital and vaccination records can accurately identify vaccine-related adverse events. This method provides reliable data for public health surveillance of vaccine safety in children.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Identifying vaccine-attributable adverse events is crucial for vaccine safety monitoring.
- Existing methods may have limitations in comprehensive data linkage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and accuracy of a record linkage method for identifying vaccine-related adverse events.
- To evaluate the quality of data generated through routine record linkage for surveillance.
Main Methods:
- Computerized linkage of hospital admissions and vaccination records for children under 2 years.
- Utilized a computer algorithm based on name, date of birth, sex, and postcode, supplemented by visual inspection.
- Assessed accuracy against a gold standard and analyzed International Classification of Disease (ICD) code accuracy.
Main Results:
- A record linkage method achieved 90% matching of hospital admission records with vaccination records.
- Matching on date of birth, sex, and postcode alone yielded 60% sensitivity and 0.2% incorrect match rate.
- Manual review indicated only 4% of admissions had incorrect ICD codes, suggesting good data quality.
Conclusions:
- Routine record linkage of ICD admission codes to vaccination records is a feasible method for identifying vaccine-related adverse events.
- The linkage method yields good quality data suitable for vaccine safety surveillance purposes.
- This approach enhances the ability to monitor adverse events following immunization.