Adverse Event

Under Ontario legislation (Health Protection and Promotion Act, RSO 1990, Section 38), a physician or person registered under Part IV (nursing) or IV (pharmacy) of the Health Disciplines Act, must report a significant adverse vaccine event or “reportable event” to the local medical officer of health, within seven days after the reportable event is recognized.

A “reportable event” includes the following:

• persistent crying or screaming, anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock occurring within 48 hours after the administration of an immunizing agent
• shock-like collapse, high fever or convulsions occurring within three days after the administration of an immunizing agent
• arthritis occurring within 42 days after the administration of an immunizing agent
• generalized urticaria, residual seizure disorder, encephalopathy, encephalitis or any other significant occurrences which are unexpected or unusual in severity including reactions such as Oculo Respiratory Syndrome (ORS), within 15 days after the administration of an immunizing agent
• death occurring at any time and following upon a symptom described in clause (a), (b), (c) or (d).

If a patient experiences an adverse event following immunization, please complete the Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Form (see link below) and fax it to the Porcupine Health Unit at (705) 360-7324.

Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Form

Last reviewed: February 9, 2011