Which of the following groups is primarily responsible for monitoring vaccine safety in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is primarily responsible for monitoring vaccine safety in the United States. This regulatory body ensures that vaccines are safe and effective before they are approved for public use. The FDA conducts rigorous pre-market evaluations of vaccines, which include reviewing clinical trial data on safety and efficacy.

Once vaccines are on the market, the FDA continues to monitor their safety through post-marketing surveillance programs, such as the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which collects and analyzes reports of adverse events following vaccination. Additionally, the FDA collaborates with other public health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to ensure comprehensive oversight of vaccines.

In contrast, while the National Vaccine Advisory Committee advises on vaccine policy and the CDC plays a critical role in public health recommendations and research related to vaccination, they do not have the primary role in the oversight of vaccine safety. The American Public Health Association, although influential in public health advocacy and education, is not directly involved in the regulatory processes concerning vaccine safety.