Vaccine Risk Monitoring and Evaluation Recommendations

This technical report presents recommendations for enhancing the capabilities of the Immunization Safety Office (ISO) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the area of vaccine risk monitoring and evaluation. The recommendations are structured around five core principles: relevance, credibility, data stewardship, continuous improvement, and independence. Each principle outlines specific actions to be taken, such as developing a strategic plan that includes input from health professionals and the public, ensuring transparency in communication, protecting individual privacy, and integrating continuous quality improvements. The report emphasizes the importance of maintaining the scientific independence of the ISO to foster trust and credibility in vaccine risk information. It also highlights the need for a clear distinction between risk monitoring and vaccine policy promotion, ensuring that the ISO can effectively communicate its findings without external influence. Overall, the document aims to strengthen the ISO's role in public health through improved monitoring and evaluation practices.