AEFIs can be reported via the SAEFVIC website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To report an AEFI for yourself or a patient please visit SAEFVIC for reporting guidelines and instructions.

Alternatively, you can call SAEFVIC on 1300 882 924 (Option 1). Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

For information on which symptoms following immunisation should be reported refer to SAEFVIC.

The SAEFVIC team will assess reports and provide clinical follow up when considered appropriate. Please note that not all reports to SAEFVIC will receive follow up.

At times SAEFVIC can experience increased demand on their services and this can result in delays in responses.

SAEFVIC is unable to contact the reporter/vaccine recipient if consent to contact has not been provided in the report.

SAEFVIC is a reporting service and not an emergency contact.

SAEFVIC can be contacted via email at [email protected] or via telephone on 1300 882 924 (Option 1). Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of concern or a severe adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) should first seek medical attention from a health professional.

AEFIs can be reported by the parents/guardians or vaccinated individuals, immunisation provider or any health professional who reviews the individual following their AEFI. For more information on reporting an AEFI, refer to SAEFVIC.

A vaccine error occurs when a vaccine is stored, prepared or administered incorrectly.

All vaccine errors should be reported online via SAEFVIC and clinical advice sought as soon as possible.

For clinical guidance on the management of COVID-19 vaccine administration errors, please refer to ATAGI clinical guidance on COVID-19 vaccine administration errors.

When a vaccine administration error occurs, affected individuals must be informed, following the open disclosure process.

Vaccines affected by a cold chain breach must not be used or discarded but should be isolated until further advice can be sought. Cold chain breaches must be reported to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible where advice on their use will be given.

• Government funded vaccines in Victoria: Victorian Department of Health: Cold chain breach reporting
• COVID-19 vaccines: COVID-19 Vaccine Cold Chain Breach (CCB) Reporting Form

For cold chain breaches affecting prescriber bag ADT, privately purchased vaccines or BCG/Tuberculin please contact the vaccine manufacturer:

• Seqirus: 1800 642 865
• GSK: 1800 033 109
• Pfizer: 1800 700 802
• Sanofi Pasteur: 1800 829 468
• Biocelecet: 1300 848 628

If a vaccine that has been exposed to a cold chain breach is inadvertently administered to an individual, this is considered an error and must be reported to SAEFVIC (if the breach occurred in Victoria)

All vaccines have an expiry date determined by the manufacturer or a revised expiry date following removal from deep freeze storage (thaw date) for distribution and storage at +2°C to +8°C. Vaccines stored appropriately can be used up until the last day of the month indicated on the expiration date (or date specified if available).

Action:

• Open disclosure to patient/parent
• Report to SAEFVIC or call 1300 882 924 (Option 1)
• Contact the vaccine manufacturer for stability advice
• For COVID-19 vaccines administered past the expiration or use-by date, contact the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) on 1800 318 208 for advice
• Provide revaccination if required.

If you have forgotten your SAEFVIC password click here to reset it. You will receive a confirmation email to reset your password.