Adverse event following immunisation (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).

The statutory requirement to notify adverse events after immunisation is specified in the Public Health Act 2016 (external site) and the Public Health Regulations 2017 (external site).

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.

Under the Public Health Act 2016 (external site) the Chief Health Officer must be notified, with delegation to the Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) at the WA Department of Health.

Notifications are made through the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site) which is monitored by the Director of CDCD. 

Health care providers can report possible AEFI using the online portal at AEFI-CAN WAVSS (external site).

WAVSS staff can be contacted at wavss@health.wa.gov.au and 08 6456 0208.

Members of the public may choose to report AEFI online, or by phone or email.

Please use the AEFI-CAN reporting guide (PDF 1.3MB) to assist with reporting the AEFI online.

• 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.