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 recommendations outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and relevant Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) statements and guidelines. 

Vaccine administration/funded immunisation program errors should be reported to the SA Health Immunisation Clinical Advisory Service on 1300 232 272 to ensure appropriate clinical advice can be provided.

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-19, influenza and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines administered to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).

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