FOI release

Freedom of Information request on VAERS for reporting adverse reactions (FOI 21-724)

Published 29 December 2021

16th July 2021 FOI 21-724 Dear ,

Regarding your final question in the email dated 21st June 2021, please note that VAERS is the USA national system for reporting adverse reactions therefore the MHRA does not directly report UK deaths to this system.

The MHRA runs the Yellow Card Scheme which is the UK system for collecting and monitoring information on safety concerns such as suspected side effects or adverse incidents involving medicines and medical devices. The scheme relies on voluntary reporting of suspected side effects or medical device incidents to be reported by health professionals and the public, including patients, carers and parents. Data received via the Yellow Card Scheme for COVID-19 vaccines is published weekly and can be accessed via the link provided in our email below.

Kind regards,

Yellow Card Service Team (FF) Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines Division