Strengthening of causality assessment of adverse events following immunization in the WHO South East Asia and Western Pacific regions: Lessons from the 2014 SEAR inter-country workshop

Abstract Background Poorly managed AEFI undermine immunization programs. Improved surveillance in SEAR countries means more AEFIs but management varies. SEAR brought countries together to share AEFI experiences, and learn more about causality assessment. Methods Three day 10 country workshop (9 SEAR; 1 WPR). Participants outlined county AEFI experiences, undertook causality assessment for 8 AEFIs using WHO methodology, critiqued the process by questionnaire and had a discussion. Results All 10 valued AEFI monitoring and causality assessment, and praised the opportunity to share experiences. Participants determined a range of AEFI and causality assessment needs in SEAR such as adapting WHO Algorithm, CIOMS/Brighton definitions, WHO verbal autopsy to fit context, requesting a practical guide – AEFI definition, time interval, rates of AEFI for different vaccines and evidence for vaccine related causes of death under 24 h. Conclusions LMIC need WHO AEFI tools adapted to better fit LMIC. Learning from each other builds capacity. Sharing AEFI experiences, case reviews help LMIC improve practices.