Biologically plausible and evidence-based risk intervals in immunization safety research

Ali Rowhani-Rahbar, Nicola P. Klein, Cornelia L. Dekker, Kathryn M. Edwards, Colin D. Marchant, Claudia Vellozzi, Bruce Fireman, James J. Sejvar, Neal A. Halsey, Roger Baxter

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

34 Scopus citations

Abstract

In immunization safety research, individuals are considered at risk for the development of certain adverse events following immunization (AEFI) within a specific period of time referred to as the risk interval. These intervals should ideally be determined based on biologic plausibility considering features of the AEFI, presumed or known pathologic mechanism, and the vaccine. Misspecification of the length and timing of these intervals may result in introducing bias in epidemiologic and clinical studies of immunization safety. To date, little work has been done to formally assess and determine biologically plausible and evidence-based risk intervals in immunization safety research. In this report, we present a systematic process to define biologically plausible and evidence-based risk interval estimates for two specific AEFIs, febrile seizures and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. In addition, we review methodologic issues related to the determination of risk intervals for consideration in future studies of immunization safety.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)271-277
Number of pages7
JournalVaccine
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 17 2012

Keywords

  • Immunization
  • Methods
  • Safety
  • Vaccines

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Veterinary
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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