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Adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)
Adverse event following immunisation (AEFI)
What is an AEFI?
The international definition of an AEFI is an unwanted or unexpected event following the administration of a vaccine.
An AEFI may be caused by a vaccine or may occur by coincidence (that is it would have occurred regardless of vaccination).
Responsibility for notification
The medical or nurse practitioner who becomes aware of an adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) has a statutory responsibility to notify the WA Department of Health within 72 hours of diagnosis.
Other immunisation providers should also report an AEFI.
Should all AEFIs be reported?
You should report:
- any significant event following immunisation
- any vaccine reaction which requires assessment by a doctor or nurse, or which has affected a family’s confidence in future immunisation.
There are common reactions (Healthy WA) to vaccines which are usually mild and short lasting that do not require reporting.
More information
Find out more about WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance System for consumers (Healthy WA) or for health professionals.