Who Should Report?
Anyone can report to VAERS. Reports are usually submitted by health care providers, vaccine manufacturers, and vaccine recipients (or their parents or guardians). Patients, parents, and guardians are encouraged to seek the help of the vaccine provider in reporting adverse events.
What Should be Reported?
Any clinically significant adverse event occurring after administration of any vaccine licensed in the U.S. should be reported. Vaccine providers are required to report any event listed in NCVIA reportable event table and any event listed in the package insert as a contraindication to subsequent doses. The Reportable Event Table (PDF) specifically outlines the reportable post-vaccination events and the time frames of events that are reportable by law. A report is not documentation that a vaccine caused the event.
To fill out a report, you will need:
- Patient information (date of birth, age, sex)
- Vaccine information (brand name, dosage)
- Date, time, and location where the vaccine was administered
- Date and time when adverse event(s) started
- Symptoms and outcome of the adverse event(s)
- Medical tests and laboratory results (if applicable)
- Physician’s contact information (if applicable)
How Do You Report?
Reports should be made on the CDC VAERS Website or contact (800) 822-7967. All requested information should be recorded.
Why Report to VAERS?
Registries of disease or injury work best when reporting is complete. Complete reporting of post-vaccination events provides public health professionals with the information they need to ensure the safest strategies of vaccine administration. If you are a vaccine manufacturer or a professional who administers vaccines, you are required by law to report certain adverse events found in the Reportable Event Table (PDF) .
Note: A report submitted to VAERS does not initiate a report or claim with the National Vaccine Compensation Program VICP). To file a claim with VICP click here.