A patient experiences anaphylaxis after receiving an influenza vaccine in your pharmacy. A report should be filed using which of the following?

The Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) is the correct choice for reporting anaphylaxis or any serious adverse events following vaccination. VAERS is a national system designed to monitor the safety of vaccines through the collection and analysis of information about adverse events that occur after vaccination. When a patient experiences an adverse event like anaphylaxis, it is crucial to report it to VAERS because this helps public health officials understand the safety profile of vaccines and take necessary actions if patterns of adverse events arise.

In addition, reporting through VAERS is essential for facilitating further investigation and ensuring vaccine safety, as it is a key component of the vaccine safety monitoring system in the United States. Healthcare providers, including pharmacists, are encouraged to report any adverse events to VAERS to contribute to the larger body of vaccine safety data.

The other options mentioned are not appropriate for this specific scenario. MedWatch is typically used for reporting adverse events related to drugs and medical devices, the CMS-1500 is a form for billing medical services, and the Vaccine Error Reporting Program pertains specifically to errors in vaccine administration rather than adverse reactions. Thus, using VAERS is the correct channel for the type of event described.