Important: VAERS reports alone cannot determine if a vaccine caused an adverse event. Reports may contain incomplete, inaccurate, or unverified information. Correlation does not equal causation.
If you or someone you know experienced a health problem after vaccination, you can report it to VAERS. Every report contributes to vaccine safety monitoring and helps protect public health.
The quickest way to file a report is through the official VAERS online portal. It takes about 15-30 minutes.
Go to VAERS Reporting Portal →External link to vaers.hhs.gov (official government website)
Anyone can report to VAERS. There is no cost, and you don't need medical training.
Gather this information before starting:
Tip: Check your vaccination card for the lot number and exact vaccine name. If you don't have all the information, you can still submit a report — partial reports are accepted.
VAERS is a passive surveillance system — it only works if people report. Studies suggest that only 1-10% of adverse events are actually reported to VAERS (a phenomenon called underreporting).
Every report helps. VAERS was instrumental in detecting:
The data you explore on VaccineWatch comes directly from VAERS reports like the ones described above. Here's the pipeline:
Do I need a doctor to file a report?
No. While healthcare providers are the most common reporters, anyone can file a VAERS report. Patient-submitted reports provide valuable data, especially for events that occur days or weeks after vaccination when the patient may not see their doctor.
Will filing a report get the vaccine recalled?
No. Individual reports do not trigger vaccine recalls. VAERS uses statistical analysis to identify patterns across many reports. A safety signal requires a consistent pattern, not a single report. When a signal is detected, it is investigated through more rigorous studies before any action is taken.
Is there a time limit for filing?
There is no strict time limit, but reports are most useful when filed as soon as possible after the adverse event. Healthcare providers are required to report certain events within specific timeframes.
Can I file a report for someone else?
Yes. Parents, caregivers, family members, and other representatives can file reports on behalf of the person who received the vaccine and experienced the adverse event.
What if I don't have all the information?
Submit what you have. Partial reports are accepted and still contribute to safety monitoring. Key information includes the vaccine name, vaccination date, symptom onset date, and a description of the event. The lot number is helpful but not required.
If you believe you or a family member was injured by a vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Filing a VAERS report is separate from filing a VICP claim, but VAERS reports can be used as supporting documentation.
The VICP covers vaccines routinely recommended for children and includes a Vaccine Injury Table listing specific conditions and time frames. Claims must typically be filed within 3 years of the first symptom. An attorney is not required but may be helpful for complex cases.
For COVID-19 vaccines administered under Emergency Use Authorization, compensation is handled through the separate Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which has different requirements and timelines.
Do I need a doctor to file a report?
No. While healthcare providers are the most common reporters, anyone can file a VAERS report. Patient-submitted reports provide valuable data, especially for events that occur days or weeks after vaccination when the patient may not see their doctor.
Will filing a report get the vaccine recalled?
No. Individual reports do not trigger vaccine recalls. VAERS uses statistical analysis to identify patterns across many reports. A safety signal requires a consistent pattern, not a single report. When a signal is detected, it is investigated through more rigorous studies before any action is taken.
Is there a time limit for filing?
There is no strict time limit, but reports are most useful when filed as soon as possible after the adverse event. Healthcare providers are required to report certain events within specific timeframes.
Can I file a report for someone else?
Yes. Parents, caregivers, family members, and other representatives can file reports on behalf of the person who received the vaccine and experienced the adverse event.
What if I don't have all the information?
Submit what you have. Partial reports are accepted and still contribute to safety monitoring. Key information includes the vaccine name, vaccination date, symptom onset date, and a description of the event. The lot number is helpful but not required.
If you believe you or a family member was injured by a vaccine, you may be eligible for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Filing a VAERS report is separate from filing a VICP claim, but VAERS reports can be used as supporting documentation.
The VICP covers vaccines routinely recommended for children and includes a Vaccine Injury Table listing specific conditions and time frames. Claims must typically be filed within 3 years of the first symptom. An attorney is not required but may be helpful for complex cases.
For COVID-19 vaccines administered under Emergency Use Authorization, compensation is handled through the separate Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program (CICP), which has different requirements and timelines.