Real Time Immunization Monitoring System (RTIMS)

Information for
Influenza Vaccine Recipients

Thank you for your interest in sharing your flu vaccine experience; the information you provide will
help us monitor influenza vaccine safety across the United States.

With support from the CDC, we have created an automated internet-based system that will follow-up
on any self-reported adverse symptoms to influenza vaccine after vaccination.

What is this project about?

As you may know, health authorities are expecting more than half the American population to receive their H1N1 (swine) flu vaccination in just a few months. The H1N1 vaccine is made exactly the same way as seasonal flu, and adverse events are expected to be very rare. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched an effort to ensure the safety of the H1N1 vaccine nationwide. (more information about this effort)

Our project aims to enhance existing monitoring of vaccine safety across the United States. We have created an automated web-based system that will ask you how you have been feeling after your H1N1 vaccination over the course of several weeks.

Does this mean there’s something wrong with the vaccine?

No. The H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine is made exactly the same way as seasonal flu vaccine, which is used every year with an excellent safety record. The new H1N1 vaccine has also received more scientific scrutiny than seasonal flu vaccines do – several thousand people in studies to determine the right dose of H1N1 vaccine have not reported any unusual symptoms.

The CDC is planning to watch more closely than ever for any adverse events among those who get the new vaccine. Our study is part of this surveillance to ensure that the H1N1 vaccine continues to meet the highest possible safety standards.

What will I have to do?

If you agree to participate at www.myflushot.org, you will be asked to complete an online survey that asks a series of questions including demographic information, influenza vaccine history, type of influenza vaccine received, and any medical problems you may have developed since vaccination.

The initial survey will take 3 to 4 minutes to complete, with two short follow-up online surveys at 1 week and 6 weeks after vaccination.

Is there any compensation for me?

Unfortunately, no. However, your responses will help us in ensuring that this year’s seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines remain safe and effective.

How long will this take?

The online questionnaire will only take 3 to 4 minutes.

Will I receive unwanted calls?

No. You will only be called if you have given us permission to contact you. Your personal information will not be disclosed to anyone.

How do I get started?

Click the button below to access the survey.

This page was last updated on October 15, 2009