Lancet link from Thinktwice.com

A new method for active surveillance of adverse events from diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis and measles/mumps/rubella vaccines. This links to the full text of the article. Registration is required.

Abstract: Linking computer hospital records with vaccination data may be an accurate surveillance method of adverse reactions to common childhood vaccines. The adverse reactions of children under two years old to diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (DTP) and measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccines were compiled. Fever convulsions were associated with DTP vaccination in infants under one year old and typically occurred after the third vaccination. The chances of hospitalization for 10-month-olds were much higher than for 4-month-old infants. MMR vaccination may have caused idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (decreased blood platelet levels) in 14 children. The risk estimate derived from hospital admissions was five times higher than that from physician-reported cases. Therefore, routine monitoring of vaccine side effects may be advantageous.

The article makes some references to complications of vaccinations, though the thrust is more focused on getting monitoring and information sharing systems in place to keep heathcare providers and suppliers aware of side effects.