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- What is WAVSS?
- What is an AEFI?
- Who may report an AEFI in WA?
- Should all AEFIs be reported?
- How do I report an AEFI in WA?
- How will the WAVSS feedback system work?
- What are the benefits of WAVSS?
- Can an adult or child be referred to a specialist immunisation clinic after experiencing AEFI?
- Medical Advice
- Back to vaccination safety information for consumers
What is WAVSS?
WAVSS is a Western Australian Department of Health initiative to monitor vaccine safety.
WAVSS will faciltate reporting of suspected adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) and access to appropriate clinical assessment.
Although significant AEFI are rare, WAVSS was established to help health providers and the public report potential AEFIs and to ensure appropriate clinical follow-up of individuals who have experienced a significant AEFI, where required.
What is an AEFI?
An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) is an unwanted or unexpected event occurring after the administration of a vaccine. Such an event may be caused by the vaccine or may occur by chance after vaccination (ie. it would have occurred regardless of vaccination).
Most vaccines cause minor adverse events such as low-grade fever, pain or redness at the injection site. See common side effects and what to do.
Who may report an AEFI in WA?
- Health professionals involved in the care of a vaccinated person who experiences an AEFI. Medical Practitioners in WA have a statutory requirement to notify AEFIs to the WA Department of Health as specified in Regulation 4 of the Health (Notification of Adverse Event After Immunisation) Regulations 1995.
- Following any necessary medical assessment or treatment, members of the public can use the new system to report adverse reactions to immunisation that they or a children/family member may have experienced.
It is far better for an AEFI to be reported by more than one person than not at all.
Should all AEFIs be reported?
- Any significant event following immunisation should be reported.
- You do not need to report common minor reactions.
- Any vaccine reaction which requires assessment by a doctor or nurse, or which has affected a family’s confidence in future immunisation should be reported.
How do I report an AEFI in WA?Please report an AEFI using one of the methods below:
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How will the WAVSS feedback system work?
Timely feedback to patients and immunisation service providers who report significant AEFI is an important part of this service.
Feedback to members of the public will be dependent on the severity of the reaction. Where significant events have occurred after immunisation a nurse may call the patient and request further detail.
Health providers who report significant AEFIs will receive feedback (by phone, email or letter) to assist in the care of patients and in deciding how to clinically manage future immunisation.
What are the benefits of WAVSS?
- A user-friendly way for immunisation providers and patients to report AEFIs.
- Clinical support to patients and immunisation providers.
- Individualised assessment of the suspected adverse event and options regarding future vaccinations.
- Specialised immunisation clinics for individuals with a history of a significant AEFI.
Can a patient be referred to a specialist immunisation clinic after experiencing AEFI?
Although there are some adverse events which prevent further vaccine doses, for many revaccination is possible. Specialised clinical services are available for individuals following significant AEFI where further vaccinations can be discussed or administered under supervision.
WAVSS will offer individualised assessment on the suspected adverse event and outline options regarding future vaccinations. In some cases, it may be recommended that subsequent vaccinations be administered under medical supervision. Initial assessments will be carried out at the Central Immunisation Clinic, Rheola St, West Perth.
How will AEFIs be reported to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)?
Medical practitioners in WA have a statutory requirement to notify events after immunisation to the WA Department of Health as specified in Regulation 4 of the Health (Notification of Adverse Event After Immunisation) Regulations 1995. All AEFIs will be reported to the TGA by WAVSS staff.
Why is it important to collect information about AEFI?
The public health aim for WAVSS is the early detection, and appropriate and quick response to AEFI, to lessen the negative impact upon the health of individuals and the WA immunisation program.
WAVSS will enable careful and safe monitoring of immunisation reactions in WA, individualised support to immunisation providers and medical assistance for families affected by an AEFI.
The clinical follow-up provided by WAVSS will increase the confidence of patients and immunisation providers, to continue the immunisation schedule even if they have experienced an AEFI.
Medical AdviceIf the side effects after vaccination seem severe or persist, or if you have any concerns:
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