Investigating adverse events following immunisation with pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine using electronic General Practice data

Using GP consultation data, we were unable to confirm an increase in local reactions detected by passive surveillance, suggesting that this apparent signal was artefactual. GP consultation data captures large numbers of vaccine recipients and medically attended adverse reactions at low cost. If available in a timely manner and expanded, this system has significant potential for use in validation of apparent signals from passive surveillance.