Reporting to the Immunisation Section

SA Health requires the following to be reported to the Immunisation Section:

Vaccine reaction reporting: Adverse event following immunisation

link opens in a new window An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) refers to any untoward medical occurrence that follows immunisation. Reporting an adverse event following immunisation is an essential part of supporting individuals who have been immunised and ensuring ongoing vaccine safety monitoring.

An AEFI is a notifiable condition. Medical practitioners and registered nurses, midwives and pharmacists who are authorised to vaccinate independently as per the Vaccine Administrative Code must report an AEFI to SA Health.

Immunisation providers must be able to distinguish between a vasovagal episode (faint), convulsion and anaphylaxis.

Reporting vaccination administration errors

A vaccine administration error occurs when a vaccine is given outside the recommended clinical guideline recommendations outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). View the ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine administration errors for advice about clinical management following vaccine administration errors.

All COVID-19 immunisation program errors must be reported to the national COVID-19 Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) via email covid19vaccineoperationscentre@health.gov.au or phone 1800 318 208.

For all other vaccine program errors contact the SA Health Immunisation Clinical Advisory Service on 1300 232 272 for further information.

Reporting an exposure to rabies or Australian bat lyssavirus

Information required with reporting an exposure to rabies or Australian bat lyssavirus is to develop a treatment plan for people who have come into contact with bats in Australia or overseas, and people who have come into contact with mammals (especially dogs, cats and monkeys) in a country where there is a risk of rabies virus exposure.

National reporting

Reporting to national immunisation register

The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) records the details of vaccinations given to individuals of all ages. The AIR allows health professionals to view individuals’ immunisation records and assess if they have received all the recommended vaccines for their age or health conditions.

Vaccination providers are mandated to report all National Immunisation Program (NIP), COVID and influenza vaccines administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

For more information on the Australian Immunisation Register and immunisation records see Immunisation records and registers.