Active Safety Surveillance of the 2023–2024 COVID-19 Vaccine Formulation: Findings from VSD

Abstract Number:

1720 

Submission Type:

Contributed Abstract 

Contributed Abstract Type:

Poster 

Participants:

Lily Wang (1), Eric Weintraub (2), Burney Kieke (3), Tat’Yana Kenigsberg (1), Kimp Walton (2), Michael McNeil (2), Jonathan Duffy (1)

Institutions:

(1) CDC, N/A, (2) CDC, United States, (3) Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, N/A

Co-Author(s):

Eric Weintraub  
CDC
Burney Kieke  
Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
Tat’Yana Kenigsberg  
CDC
Kimp Walton  
CDC
Michael McNeil  
CDC
Jonathan Duffy  
CDC

First Author:

Lily Wang  
CDC

Presenting Author:

Lily Wang  
CDC

Abstract Text:

Real-world post-vaccine safety monitoring is crucial for detecting adverse events and maintaining public trust. This study applied Rapid Cycle Analysis (RCA) to assess 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax) for 14 outcomes, including ischemic stroke, GBS, and myocarditis.
VSD data from nine healthcare organizations included 2.7M doses (Sep 2023–Apr 2024). Outcomes were identified in healthcare records. RCA used a concurrent comparator design to compare adverse event rates across risk and comparison intervals. Weekly monitoring with Pocock alpha-spending controlled Type I error ensured real-time safety assessment and reduced bias.
RCA identified a GBS signal after Pfizer in ≥65 yrs (aRR: 4.45, 95% CI: 1.07–22.62) and ischemic stroke signals with Pfizer (18–64 yrs: aRR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.04–2.11) and Moderna (≥65 yrs: aRR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.05–2.70). No signals were found for other outcomes.
RCA enables real-time vaccine safety monitoring, addressing limits of traditional comparators. While GBS and stroke signals require further evaluation, the 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccines show a reassuring safety profile. Ongoing monitoring remains key for public trust and safety.

Keywords:

Vaccine Safety
Post-Vaccination Surveillance
Adverse Events
Rare Events
Signal Detection|Rapid Cycle Analysis (RCA)
Sequential Analysis
Concurrent Comparator Design
Pocock Alpha-Spending
Real-Time Monitoring|Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD)
ICD-10 Codes
Healthcare Records|Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Ischemic Stroke, Myocarditis
Adjusted Rate Ratio (aRR)
Risk and Comparison Intervals|COVID-19 Vaccine
Pfizer
Moderna
Novavax|

Sponsors:

Government Statistics Section

Tracks:

Statistical Inference

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