Management and reporting of adverse events

Information on management and reporting of suspected adverse events or inadvertent administration following YF vaccination

If a traveller presents with a suspected adverse event following YF vaccination, or was given a YF vaccine when clinically contraindicated, ensure the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) guidance is followed.

On 27 January 2020, the UK Health Security Agency (formerly known as Public Health England) published guidance for health professionals working in Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres (YFVCs) and those providing medical care to persons:

  • Following inadvertent administration of yellow fever (YF) vaccine (i.e. where the vaccine was given when there was a contraindication to yellow fever vaccination). In this situation, the guidance should be followed where a person is well, or unwell following YF vaccination.
  • Experiencing a suspected or confirmed YF vaccine-associated severe adverse event (YEL-AND or YEL-AVD).

In the guidance are:

  • A flow chart of actions to be taken (page 10).
  • A surveillance form on which to document an incident or severe adverse event (including medical and travel history) (Appendix 1).
  • Definition of roles and responsibilities of the reporting and supervising clinical teams (page 11/12).

Health professionals working in UKYFVCs should read this guidance in its entirety, ensure the information is disseminated widely to the clinical team and applied in practice.

Travellers who receive YF vaccine should be informed by the administering health professional about the early signs and symptoms of YF vaccine side effects and need to urgently seek medical attention if serious side effects are suspected [1].

The full guidance is available from the UK Health Security Agency (formerly Public Health England):

Resources

First published : 06 February 2023 Last updated : 06 February 2023

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