Background
An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) is any untoward medical occurrence that happens following the administration of a vaccine. It can be coincidentally associated with immunisation, without necessarily being caused by the vaccine. Common side effects from vaccines are usually mild and short‑lasting. Severe side effects are rare.
Monitoring vaccine safety during development and post‑licensure adverse event surveillance are important ways both to ensure safe vaccination programs and to maintain community confidence in vaccines.
AEFI‑CAN (Adverse Events Following Immunisation – Clinical Assessment Network) is a collaboration that extends importantly both to vaccine safety monitoring and to supporting individuals who may have experienced AEFIs. A formal, clinical collaboration between Australia state‑ and territory‑based vaccine safety services (including adult and paediatric immunisation, and infectious disease and allergy specialists), AEFI can also includes representatives from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), most state and territory health departments, and the immunisation branch of the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Purpose
As a national network, AEFI‑CAN works collaboratively to clinically assess and support individuals who have experienced a serious or unexpected AEFI. AEFI-CAN enables collaborators to investigate possible safety signals in real time.
The network is also involved in:
- developing a consistent robust national approach to serious and/or severe AEFI with the creation of standardised protocols
- standardising AEFI and clinical follow-up reporting
- enhancing community and health/vaccine provider knowledge and practice about AEFIs
- providing expert advice to health professionals as required.
AEFI‑CAN is a partner of the International Network of Special Immunization Services (INSIS) and contributes to the coordinated international collaboration of vaccine safety surveillance systems.
Resources
Authors: Adele Harris (SAEFVIC Research Nurse, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute) and Annette Alafaci (SAEFVIC Research Assistant, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute)
Reviewed by: Rachael McGuire (MVEC Education Nurse Coordinator) and Nigel Crawford (Director, Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre)
Date: November 2024
Materials in this section are updated as new information and vaccines become available. The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) staff regularly reviews materials for accuracy.
You should not consider the information on this site to be specific, professional medical advice for your personal health or for your family’s personal health. For medical concerns, including decisions about vaccinations, medications and other treatments, you should always consult a healthcare professional.