Pharmacoviglance centres

The AEFI surveillance functions of pharmacovigilance centres relate to the reporting and investigation of adverse events associated with vaccines as well as medicinal drugs. Many countries now operate a decentralized pharmacovigilance system, with a national pharmacovigilance centre (NPC) functioning as the focal point for a network of regional and/or local centres. These may be located in a range of organizations, including relevant government departments, hospitals, academic environments, or hosted by a professional body such as a national medical association.

The provision of a high-quality information service to health workers is a basic task of NPCs. Continuous and appropriate educational activities improves knowledge, and stimulates and encourages health workers to report AEFIs.