Influenza vaccine Influenza vaccine safety surveillance 2021 AusVaxSafety commenced routine monitoring of the safety of 2021 seasonal influenza vaccines in all ages as at 29 March. The vaccines currently in use are Vaxigrip Tetra®, Fluarix Tetra®, Afluria® Quad and Fluad® Quad. Surveillance data have been provided by SmartVax based on surveys sent in the days following vaccination, and data presented here are from surveys received up to 9 September 2021. These data are updated weekly. As at 9 September 2021 6 months - <5 years Current as at 9 September 2021 20,561 Parents/carers responded to an SMS about their child’s health a few days after their influenza vaccinations. 90.3% reported no adverse events 90.3% reported no adverse events 9.7% reported any adverse event 0.7% reported taking their child to a doctor or emergency department in the days after vaccination.The adverse events they reported were similar to the types of adverse events reported overall. 2,001 parents/carers reported one or more adverse events. The most commonly reported were: These symptoms are known to occur after vaccination. They are generally mild and short-lived. These symptoms are also common in young children for other reasons (such as viral infection) and may not be related to vaccination. 5 to <18 years Current as at 9 September 2021 22,270 Parents/carers responded to an SMS about their child’s health a few days after their influenza vaccinations. 94.5% reported no adverse events 94.5% reported no adverse events 5.5% reported any adverse event 0.3% reported taking their child to a doctor or emergency department in the days after vaccination.The adverse events they reported were similar to the types of adverse events reported overall 1,235 parents/carers reported one or more adverse events. The most commonly reported were: These symptoms are known to occur after vaccination. They are generally mild and short-lived. These symptoms are also common in young children for other reasons (such as viral infection) and may not be related to vaccination. 18 -<65 years Current as at 9 September 2021 85,611 Adults responded to an SMS about their health a few days after their influenza vaccinations. 93.5% reported no adverse events 93.5% reported no adverse events 6.5% reported any adverse event 0.3% reported going to a doctor or emergency department in the days after vaccination.The adverse events they reported were similar to the types of adverse events reported overall 5,556 adults reported one or more adverse events. The most commonly reported were: These symptoms are known to occur after vaccination. They are generally mild and short-lived. >65 years Current as at 9 September 2021 101,749 Seniors responded to an SMS about their health a few days after their influenza vaccinations. 93.7% reported no adverse events 93.7% reported no adverse events 6.3% reported any adverse event 0.3% reported going to a doctor or emergency department in the days after vaccination.The adverse events they reported were similar to the types of adverse events reported overall 6,459 seniors reported one or more adverse events. The most commonly reported were: These symptoms are known to occur after vaccination. They are generally mild and short-lived. Pregnant women Current as at 9 September 2021 3,676 Women responded to an SMS about their health a few days after their influenza vaccinations. 95.7% reported no adverse events 95.7% reported no adverse events 4.3% reported any adverse event 0.3% reported going to a doctor or emergency department in the days after vaccination.The adverse events they reported were similar to the types of adverse events reported overall. 158 women reported one or more adverse events. The most commonly reported were: These symptoms are known to occur after vaccination. They are generally mild and short-lived.
