HHS launches initiatives to study vaccine injuries and strengthen reporting

The Department of Health and Human Services announced initiatives to study health problems reported after vaccination and improve how they are recorded. The National Institutes of Health has opened a clinic for patients experiencing those problems, HHS said.

The plans include updating the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, requiring electronic health records to capture vaccine-related adverse events and proposing payments to physicians who report suspected injuries. VAERS is voluntary and self-reported, and does not independently verify reported injuries, The Hill reported.

An internal memo obtained by NPR says NIH plans an observational study of vaccinated people and possible complications, and may examine vaccine schedules and treatments. Vaccine experts interviewed by NPR and other outlets said research is worthwhile, while expressing concern that the initiatives could increase confusion or mistrust.