Update to AusVaxSafety COVID-19 vaccine safety data reporting

AusVaxSafety has conducted active safety surveillance of COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia since the vaccination program commenced in February 2021. The system has collected survey responses from more than 6.5 million COVID-19 vaccine encounters – the largest vaccine safety surveillance program ever conducted in Australia.

As a result of this high level of participation and lengthy surveillance period, we now have an unprecedented amount of safety data, specific to Australia, on the short-term side effect profile of COVID-19 vaccines. 

Safety data for COVID-19 vaccines has remained very stable over time, with minimal change to the safety profile over the surveillance period. The safety profile of the vaccines is consistent with clinical trials and international surveillance, reaffirming the safety of these vaccines. 

As we now reaffirmed the safety of these vaccines, AusVaxSafety will cease fortnightly reporting of the following COVID-19 vaccines on the AusVaxSafety website with the last data update occurring on Wednesday 8 February 2023: 

-    Adult formulation Pfizer dose 1, 2, 3 and booster  
-    Adult formulation AstraZeneca dose 1, 2, 3 and booster  
-    Adult formulation Moderna dose 1, 2, 3 and booster  

Vaccine safety data pages on the AusVaxSafety website for the above COVID-19 vaccines will remain live for use as a resource by the general public and health care providers.

AusVaxSafety will continue to publish fortnightly safety data for new vaccines and formulations, and for vaccines and formulations where safety data collected is not yet as comprehensive, including:

-    Paediatric formulation (5-11 years) Pfizer dose 1 and 2
-    Paediatric formulation (6-11 years) Moderna dose 1 and 2
-    Adult formulation Novavax dose 1, 2, 3 and booster 

AusVaxSafety will also continue to monitor newly introduced COVID-19 vaccines (e.g. Bivalent) and eligible population groups (e.g. children aged 6 months to 5 years) with new safety data published on the AusVaxSafety website when sufficient data is received for analysis.

Access COVID-19 vaccine safety data here