Reactions after vaccination

An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) is an unwanted or unexpected event following immunisation. It may be related to the vaccine itself, its handling or administration, or may happen by coincidence.

If you think your child may have experienced an adverse event or side effects other than those commonly experienced after immunisation, you can report it to the ACT Health Immunisation Unit.

All adverse event reports are notified to the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) who use this information to assist in the identification of any possible vaccine safety signal or flag for concern.

If a safety signal is identified, it is thoroughly investigated to determine the possible role that the vaccine played in causing the event.

See your GP, local emergency department or call triple zero 000 if you need immediate assistance.

What should be reported

• Any event felt to be significant following immunisation, regardless of whether you know the symptoms were related to the vaccine or not
• Any expected symptoms that have not gone away after a few days
• Any side effects following an immunisation which requires assessment by a doctor or nurse
• Any immunisation administration errors

How to report

There is no such thing as a perfect vaccine which protects everyone who receives it and is entirely safe for everyone. Vaccines may produce some unwanted side effects which are mostly mild and clear up quickly.

To report an adverse event following immunisation:

• complete the immunisation adverse event reporting form
• or call the ACT Health Immunisation Unit on 02 5124 9800.

Common side effects

You should expect mild reactions such as fever, and pain or redness at the site of the injection.

You should see a doctor if:

• fever is not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen, particularly in babies
• your baby has unusual screaming episodes with vomiting or blood in the bowel motions
• symptoms get worse or don't improve.

For more information on what's normal after vaccination go to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website.

Uncommon and rare reactions

A very small number of people may have more serious reaction.

These may include:

• anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction)
• seizures
• severe rash.

There are some situations in which certain people should not have vaccines, called contraindications.

Health practitioners follow guidelines on who should and shouldn't have certain vaccines, however it's not possible to identify if you will have a mild or serious reaction to a vaccine.