Where do we report adverse events related to the vaccine?

Healthcare providers are required by law to report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS):

• Any adverse event listed in the VAERS Table of Reportable Events Following Vaccinationthat occurs within the specified time period after vaccinations
• An adverse event listed by the vaccine manufacturer as a contraindication to further doses of the vaccine

Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to report to VAERS:

• Any adverse event that occurs after the administration of a vaccine licensed in the U.S., whether it is or is not clear that a vaccine caused the adverse event
• Vaccine administration errors

Vaccine manufacturers are required to report to VAERS all adverse events that come to their attention.

Online reporting is strongly encouraged. Please report clinically important adverse events that occur after vaccination of adults and children, even if you are not sure whether the vaccine caused the adverse event.

The VAERS accepts all reports, including reports of vaccination errors. Guidance on reporting vaccination errors is available if you have additional questions.

There are two ways to submit an online report to VAERS:

• Option 1—Report online to VAERS (preferred):
  • Submit a VAERS report online. The report must be completed online and submitted in one sitting and cannot be saved and returned to a later time. VAERS Adverse Online Reporting Form
• Option 2—Report using a writable PDF form:
  • Download the writable PDF form to a computer. Complete the VAERS report offline if you do not have time to complete it all at once. Return to this page to upload the completed writable PDF form by clicking here. Writable PDF Form for Reporting Adverse Events

Knowingly filing a false VAERS report is a violation of Federal law (18 U.S. Code § 1001), punishable by fine and imprisonment.

The CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to assist with check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When the patient receives a vaccine, they should also receive a telling them how to enroll in v-safe. Once enrolled, they will receive regular text messages directing them to surveys where they can report any problems or adverse reactions they have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.