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Vaccine research

Examining the evidence on vaccine safety

We are part of the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several large health care systems, including HealthPartners.

Since 2014, our Institute VSD team has led several large observational studies. Findings from this research have been presented at national conferences and to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP is a group of medical and public health experts that develop recommendations on use of vaccines for people in the United States.

Our team also recently completed a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study of the safety of influenza vaccine in children with asthma.

Investigators

Key projects

Safety of influenza and pertussis vaccines when given during pregnancy

The influenza and pertussis vaccines are recommended for all women during pregnancy. As part of the VSD, we led a series of studies to assess the safety of this practice. We examined mother and infant outcomes after vaccination in pregnancy. Overall, our research supports the safety of current vaccine recommendations to give pregnant women influenza and pertussis vaccines.

Safety of inadvertent exposures to HPV vaccine during pregnancy

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is not recommended in pregnancy. However, it is necessary for women of child bearing age and for those who are accidentally exposed to HPV during or around the time of pregnancy. As part of the VSD, we are currently studying whether accidental HPV exposures in pregnancy are associated with increased risk of fetal death.

Safety of live attenuated influenza vaccine in children with asthma

Children with asthma are at high risk for complications from influenza. In this study, we demonstrated the safety of a policy to administer live attenuated influenza vaccine in children with asthma. This study was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, as part of the NIH.

Key publications