Acceptability of Internet adverse event self-reporting for pandemic and seasonal influenza immunization among health care workers

Abstract

This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of Internet self-reporting for adverse events following pandemic and seasonal influenza immunization among 270 health care workers at a tertiary care children's and women's hospital in fall 2009. Participants responded to an online questionnaire 72 h after vaccine receipt. Non-responders were sent a reminder email 8-10 days after vaccine receipt, followed by a telephone call for those who did not respond online. The overall online response rate was high (88%). Participants rated the online self-report easy to use and would be willing to use it again. The high response rate and acceptability of the online report method suggest that web-based self-reporting for adverse event following immunization (AEFI) has the potential for rapid assessments of AEFI in mass or new immunization programs.