Lessons learned concerning vaccine safety

The safety of vaccines is an issue that has been with us ever since Jenner, and it will not go away. The author argues that despite what may seem a wa ste of energy, most proposed relationships between vaccines and reactions m ust be thoroughly investigated, as some have been proved correct. Investiga tions that show the putative relationship to be incorrect serve as examples of scientific rigor, which are valuable for the public. The author draws e ight lessons for the future from our recent experiences. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.