Reminder to report adverse events following immunization

Advisory Alert

May 16, 2023

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To: Local Health System Partners

FOR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION

Timely assessment and reporting are essential for monitoring vaccine safety and maintaining vaccine confidence

This Advisory Alert provides a reminder for clinicians of the responsibility to report adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) in patients presenting to for clinical assessment of adverse event(s) post-vaccination. The reporting requirement is for any vaccine, whether provided directly or through another provider in the community or at a public health setting.

As outlined in a previous Advisory Alert, posted in April 2022, health care providers (i.e., physicians, nurses, and pharmacists) are required by law to report AEFIs. AEFI reports provide vital information required to monitor vaccine safety in Ontario. Reports should be made using the Ontario AEFI Reporting Form and sent to Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ secure fax at 705.677.9618.

Report any events that may be related to receipt of a vaccine. Of particular importance are events which require medical consultation or are unusual or unexpected events. Provide as many details as possible including:

• the dose number for vaccines offered in a series
• other vaccines administered concomitantly, including administration sites
• whether previous AEFI has occurred

Please also provide a detailed summary of the patient’s health history and any risk factors or pre-existing conditions that may have contributed to or be coincidental with current AEFI symptoms.

Common or mild events such as fever that is not accompanied by any other symptoms, injection site reactions that last less than four days, and vasovagal syncope without injury do not need to be reported. When in doubt, be proactive and report the event. Submitting a report does not mean that you have formed the opinion that the vaccine caused the event.

Public Health will contact you for any AEFI reports received where additional information is being requested as part of the AEFI investigation. Note that additional information should also be sent to Public Health’s secure fax at 705.677.9618.

For questions about AEFI reporting please contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at 705.522.9200, ext. 458, (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).

Sincerely,

Original Signed By

Dr. Penny Sutcliffe
Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer

NOTE: All Advisory Alerts are found on our website.

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This item was last modified on May 16, 2023