Background

The International Network of Special Immunization Services (INSIS) is a coordinated international collaboration of vaccine safety surveillance systems. By collaborating on a global scale, rare serious adverse events following immunisation (occurring in < 1 per 10,000 vaccine recipients) are more likely to be identified, thoroughly investigated and better understood. The international leads are Karina Top (Canada) and Bob Chen (United States).

Objectives

INSIS aims to promote confidence in the safety of vaccines. Implementing standardised case definitions and protocols can assist with identifying unique molecular signatures and biomarkers associated with rare adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) and improve our understanding of the genetic basis for adverse events (eg. thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and myocarditis/pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccines). By determining the causes of AEFI and identifying individual risk factors for experiencing AEFIs, it can develop recommendations for the safest way to immunise individuals with a history of or those identified as at higher risk of experiencing an AEFI. This improved understanding will also help in vaccine safety communication and the development of resources through leading websites such as MVEC.

SAEFVIC, in collaboration with AEFI-CAN, leads Australia’s involvement with INSIS.

Funding

INSIS is funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and IWK Health Centre.

Resources

Authors: Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator) and Nigel Crawford (Director, SAEFVIC, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)

Date: March 9, 2023

Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.

You should not consider the information in this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.