Assessment of Adverse Events Following Immunization Surveillance System in Terms of Documentation and Reporting Mechanisms

Abstract

The adverse events following immunization (AEFI) surveillance programme in India was initially launched in 1986; however, reporting remained sporadic and systematic efforts to streamline the process began only in 2005 with the introduction of the first Operational Guidelines. To assess the extent of implementation of existing surveillance guidelines in a metropolitan city and to explore the scope for quality improvement. The study was a Cross-sectional observational record-based study done in the Metropolitan city of Maharashtra. Case reporting form (CRF), preliminary case investigation form (PCIF), and final case investigation form (FCIF) of all cases that occurred from January 2017 to June 2018 were obtained from the concerned authorities. The data obtained from records was compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2013 and represented using tables. Out of 129 cases reported, CRFs were available for all cases while PCIFs were available for 118 cases (91.5%). Out of the 116 cases due for FCIF reports, 98 cases (84.5%) had been updated. 23 cases (17.83%) were notified to the health system within 24 h of the occurrence of AEFI, 34 cases (26.36%) were notified between 24 and 48 h and 31 cases (24.03%) were notified between 48 h and 72 h. Both active and passive surveillance were being followed in the study area. The healthcare workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives and CHVs, conducted home visits of all beneficiaries within 2–3 days postimmunization. This active component of AEFI Surveillance not only improved reporting rates but also helped in early detection and management of adverse events.