Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) System

The Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system is the reporting service in WA for any significant adverse events following immunisations (AEFI). It is now part of the national reporting hub called SAFEVAC

WAVSS provides expert immunisation safety advice to reporters and healthcare workers, and can provide clinical services for children and adults who have experienced an AEFI.

Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs)

An AEFI may be due to:

  • A person's response to a vaccine
  • AEFIs also include conditions that may occur following the incorrect handling or administration of a vaccine
  • Coincidence, ie. it would have occurred regardless of vaccination

For more information on what an AEFI is, and when to report one, please refer to the following websites:

Reporting AEFIs

AEFIs may be reported by:

  • Medical and nurse practitioners have a statutory responsibility to notify adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) to the Chief Health Officer, as per the requirements of the Public Health Act 2016 and the Public Health Regulations 2017.
  • Other immunisation providers
  • Parents and guardians
  • Vaccinated individuals

To Report an AEFI

Please go the the Register tab on this website if this is your first time, or the Login tab if you have already registered.

If required, please see Guide to reporting a AEFI for further information.

Other immunisation providers, parents/guardians or vaccinated individuals may also report adverse events.

By getting as much information as we can about AEFI, we make sure we detect possible problems with vaccines or systems as early as possible if they do occur.

This helps to ensure Western Australia has a safe immunisation program and to maintain community confidence in our program.

Medical Advice

If the side effects after vaccination seem severe or persist, or if you have any concerns:

  • See your doctor, immunisation provider or an After Hours GP
  • Call healthdirect Australia for health advice 24 hours a day on 1800 022 222
  • For emergency or life-threatening conditions, visit an Emergency Department or call triple zero (000) for an ambulance

Contact WAVSS

Operating hours for the WAVSS team are 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays). The online system is always available.