Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health (CCEPH) Epidemiologist James Donahue, DVM, PhD, MPH, presented results of a Marshfield-led vaccine safety study at the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting in Atlanta, GA on February 27, 2019. Dr. Donahue led a study team that assessed the risk of miscarriage after influenza vaccination in early pregnancy. The study was conducted through the CDC-funded Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), and it included data from Marshfield Clinic Health System along with Kaiser Permanente sites in Washington, Oregon, California and Colorado. The study team analyzed data from over 2600 pregnant women during 3 flu seasons. Miscarriage was not associated with flu vaccination in any season or across all seasons.
The ACIP presentation and study results were reported by national media, including CNN and STAT News. The study provides reassurance on the safety of flu vaccine in early pregnancy, and the results support the current recommendation at any time during pregnancy. A full report of the study methods and results will be submitted for publication.
