Scientific Publications by FDA Staff

Vaccine 2011 Feb 1;29(6):1319-23

Thrombocytopenia after vaccination: case reports to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2008.

Woo EJ, Wise RP, Menschik D, Shadomy SV, Iskander J, Beeler J, Varricchio FA, Ball R

We reviewed thrombocytopenia (TP) reports to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). We examined TP patterns for differences in single versus multiple immunization reports, presence of a live viral vaccine, seriousness, age, and interval to symptom onset. We found 1510 reports of possible TP and after exclusions evaluated 1440 for possible causes. Most (1078; 75%) met the regulatory definition of a serious adverse event. TP was reported after inactivated and live viral vaccines. Platelet counts <10×10(9)/L were reported. Identified vaccines could be prioritized for hypothesis-testing studies.