What is an AEFI?
Adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) are defined in The Australian Immunisation Handbook as "any untoward medical occurrence that follows immunisation, whether expected or unexpected, and whether triggered by the vaccine or only coincidentally occurring after receipt of a vaccine". AEFIs are notifiable conditions under the NSW Public Health Act (Schedule 1).
How do I report an AEFI?
To report a suspected AEFI, please download the National Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) Reporting Form and contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.
Surveillance of AEFIs
Surveillance of AEFIs aims to monitor vaccine and immunisation program safety and to detect population-specific, rare, late-onset or unexpected adverse events that may not be detected in pre-licensure vaccine trials. Australia-wide annual reports on AEFI surveillance are published by the Australian Government. Annual reports on surveillance of AEFIs in NSW are available for the years:
To search for reported AEFIs related to specific vaccines, visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) Database of Adverse Event Notifications (DAEN)
AusVaxSafety is an active vaccine safety surveillance system that monitors the safety of vaccines in Australia. AEFI data relating to a range of vaccines including influenza, pertussis including pertussis in pregnancy, HPV and zoster vaccine is available through the AusVaxSafety vaccine safety surveillance system.
For immunisation providers
Immunisation providers can contact the NSW Specialist Immunisation Service (NSWISS) telephone advice line on 1800 679 477 for clinical advice and support on immunisation for patients with complex or unusual medical backgrounds or who have had an adverse event following immunisation. The phone line operates between 9-5pm Monday to Friday for immediate advice or callers can leave a message.
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