SAEFVIC (Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination In the Community) is the central reporting service in Victoria for any significant adverse event following immunisation (AEFI).
We are a public health partnership initiative of the Victorian Immunisation Program funded by the Department of Health (DH). Reporting adverse events is not mandatory in Victoria, however doing so allows the rapid investigation of any potential vaccine or system problems by Victorian and national health authorities (Therapeutic Goods Administration). This helps to ensure a safe and effective immunisation program and it maintains community confidence in vaccines.
Timely reporting to SAEFVIC enables us to quickly detect any potential vaccine or system problems. This helps to ensure Victoria has a safe immunisation program and maintains community confidence.
SAEFVIC offers expert immunisation safety advice to reporters and healthcare workers, and can provide clinical services for children and adults who have experienced an AEFI.
Please see your GP, local emergency department or call 000 if immediate assistance is required.
An adverse event following immunisation is any untoward medical occurrence that happens following administration of a vaccine. It can be coincidentally associated with immunisation, without necessarily being caused by the vaccine.
Severe side effects from vaccines are rare and common side effects are usually mild and short-lasting.
A vaccine error is also considered an AEFI and may be related to the way a vaccine was stored, prepared or administered.
You should report:
You do not need to routinely report: Minor, common or expected side effects
Any significant adverse events (as outlined in the criteria above) should be reported by first registering, and then logging in using the buttons at the top of the page. The vaccinee (person who received the vaccine) may receive follow up clinical advice (email or telephone) for these reports.
For more information see the Reporting Guide and Demonstration video which can also be found on the Instructions page on this website once you log in.
Any vaccinated individual, parents/guardians, immunisation providers or treating medical practitioner can report an AEFI to SAEFVIC by first registering, and then logging in with the buttons at the top of the page.
SAEFVIC forwards all adverse event reports 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 or system played in causing the event.
When requested or deemed appropriate, SAEFVIC will offer advice to the immunisation provider and/or reporter. SAEFVIC does not provide acute management advice to patients. Consent to contact must be obtained if you would like SAEFVIC to follow up with the vaccinee.
Timely reporting to SAEFVIC enables us to quickly detect any potential vaccine safety or system problems. This helps to ensure Victoria has a safe immunisation program and maintains community confidence.
To find out more about why this data is collected and what it is used for click here.
Our operating hours are 9.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Phone support is available between the hours of 10.00am - 3.00pm. The online system is always available.
Please note: SAEFVIC is a reporting service and not an emergency contact.
Date last modified: 9 September 2024