Vaccine allergy/adverse reaction Referral Access Criteria

Referrers should use this page when referring patients to public adult immunology outpatient services for vaccine allergy/adverse reaction.

Emergency referral
If any of the following are present or suspected, refer the patient to the emergency department or seek emergency medical advice if in a remote region.
Current symptoms of anaphylaxis Airway compromising angioedema

Immediate referral
Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate immunology assessment (seen within 7 days):
Nil To contact the relevant service, please see Clinician Assist WA: Immunology requests (external site).

Immediate referral

Immediately contact on-call registrar or service to arrange immediate immunology assessment (seen within 7 days):

To contact the relevant service, please see Clinician Assist WA: Immunology requests (external site).

Clinical indications for outpatient referral
If any of these issues are present, refer to outpatient services through the Central Referral Service (CRS).
Suspected adverse reaction following a vaccination Assessment of suitability for vaccination

Mandatory information
Referrals missing 'mandatory information' with no explanation provided may not be accepted by site. If 'mandatory information' is not included, the explanation must be provided in the body of the referral (e.g. patient unable to access test in regional or remote areas or due to financial reason). This information is required to inform accurate and timely triage. If unable to attach reports, please include relevant information/findings in the body of the referral and advise where (provider) investigation/imaging was completed.
History	Relevant history, onset, duration, severity, and nature of symptoms (e.g. angioedema, urticaria, myocarditis, pericarditis) Vaccination administered Previous vaccinations received Management received Any urgent need for further vaccine administration Current medication list
Examination	Nil
Investigations	Nil

Highly desirable
History	Vaccination administered dose number
Examination	Nil
Investigations	Investigations and specialist letters regarding adverse reaction if relevant e.g. ECG, ECHO

Indicative clinical urgency category
Category 1 Appointment within 30 days	Suspected severe adverse reaction following a vaccination Suspected adverse reaction following vaccination and urgent need for clarification of suitability for further vaccination
Category 2 Appointment within 90 days	Assessment of all other vaccination adverse reactions
Category 3 Appointment within 365 days	No defined category 3 criteria

Indicative clinical urgency category

Category 1

Appointment within 30 days

Suspected severe adverse reaction following a vaccination
Suspected adverse reaction following vaccination and urgent need for clarification of suitability for further vaccination

Category 2

Appointment within 90 days

Category 3

Appointment within 365 days

Exclusions
Suspected long COVID-19 infection: With persistent pulmonary symptoms. Refer to respiratory: See respiratory state-wide referral access criteria With non-pulmonary symptoms. Refer to the most relevant specialty based on assessment Ongoing management of adverse reactions/suspected adverse reactions to vaccinations that can be appropriately managed in primary care (not requiring immunology treatment/management) or can be referred to another relevant speciality. For example: Pericarditis management should be referred to cardiology See Clinician Assist WA: Myocarditis and Pericarditis After Covid-19 Vaccines (external site) Neuropathy management should be referred to neurology See neurology state-wide referral access criteria

Useful information
Please also report adverse vaccine events via Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system: https://www.safevac.org.au/Home/Info/WA (external site) See Clinician Assist WA: Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) (external site) See Clinician Assist WA: Post COVID-19 Services (external site)

Useful information

Please also report adverse vaccine events via Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system: https://www.safevac.org.au/Home/Info/WA (external site)
See Clinician Assist WA: Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) (external site)
See Clinician Assist WA: Post COVID-19 Services (external site)

If you would like to submit feedback on the contents of the Referral Access Criteria, please complete this form.

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