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. 

Notifications should be made to the Director of Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) at the WA Health Department using the WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (external site).

Alternative ways to report an AEFI:

• Call the Central Immunisation Clinic on 9321 1312 (8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday).
• Complete a WAVSS adverse reaction reporting form (external site) and return by
  • Fax: 9426 9408
  • Post: Central Immunisation Clinic, PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849

• 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.
• You do not need to report reactions such as redness or a small lump at the injection site or a temperature that has resolved after a few hours.