Final answer:
Pharmacists should report adverse immunization events to the FDA's MedWatch program for ongoing drug safety monitoring. This voluntary reporting system collects data on serious and unexpected side effects to help ensure public health.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pharmacist should report all adverse events observed or reported related to an immunization to the FDA’s MedWatch program. Pharmacists play a critical role in the pharmacovigilance system, which continually evaluates drug safety after drugs are approved and on the market. By reporting to MedWatch, pharmacists contribute to the collection of data on serious and unexpected side effects, as well as any fatalities linked to drug use.
These reports can be submitted voluntarily by both healthcare professionals and consumers, and are essential for the FDA's ongoing drug safety monitoring. It's important to note that while some events must be reported within 15 days, others are reported on a quarterly basis. The aim of this reporting system is to ensure that new information about drugs, including vaccines, can be quickly identified and assessed to protect public health.