If you, a doctor, nurse or pharmacist suspects that you or your child has had a possible side effect (also called an adverse reaction) to a vaccine, then it can be reported through the Yellow Card Scheme.
The Yellow Card Scheme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and is designed to pick up unexpected problems or new side effects. If a serious new side effect is identified, the MHRA will follow up the report. It may change the way a vaccine is used, or even take it off the market.
The scheme isn’t just for health professionals. The general public can also use the Yellow Card system to report a suspected side effect of a vaccine or medicine.
It's often hard to tell whether a possible side effect is due to a vaccine or something else. If you're in any doubt, it’s a good idea to alert the MHRA by sending a Yellow Card report.
Tell your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about the suspected side effect, and they'll report it for you. Or report it yourself in one of these ways:
- Use the Yellow Card Scheme online reporting system.
- Pick up a Yellow Card form from your GP surgery or your local pharmacy. Complete the form and send it to the address given on the form.
- Call the Yellow Card freephone hotline on 0808 100 3352 (weekdays 10am to 2pm).
Now, read more about the safety of vaccinations.
