Vaccine Safety

Vaccine safety is very important to the Maine Immunization Program and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's vaccine safety program closely and constantly monitors the safety of vaccines.

To read more on vaccine safety visit the CDC's Vaccine Safety website: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety

For parents wanting to make healthy decisions for their children, visit the CDC's Vaccine Safety Information for Parents and Caregivers website: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/caregivers

For healthcare providers seeking resources on storage and handling of vaccines and information to share with parents on vaccine benefits and risks visit the CDC's Vaccine Safety Information for Healthcare Providers website: www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/hcproviders

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System

Website: https://vaers.hhs.gov/index.html

The CDC and FDA have announced a new Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting (VAERS) website and reporting form that allows people to:

  • Easily submit a VAERS report electronically
  • Access VAERS data
  • Learn more about how the CDC and FDA monitor the safety of vaccines

There are now two ways to report to VAERS an adverse event following a vaccination: use the online reporting tool, or complete a paper VAERS form (PDF format) here: https://vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent.html and upload it to the new VAERS website.

By the end of 2017, the CDC and FDA will phase out the VAERS paper form and fully transition to the new VAERS 2.0 electronic submission process. If you are unable to complete your VAERS form electronically or have any other questions regarding VAERS, please contact the Maine Immunization Program at 1-800-867-4775.

The Vaccine Injury Compensation Program

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a separate federal program that provides compensation to individuals whose injuries may have been caused by certain vaccines.

Please be aware that reporting an event to VAERS does NOT constitute filing a claim with the VICP.

Information on the VICP can be obtained by calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at: https://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/