Guide

Adverse Drug or Vaccine Reaction: Get Care, Then Report It

Obtain necessary care, preserve product details and submit a useful report through the right system.

Reporting does not replace care

Call 911 for a severe reaction. For a non-urgent concern, contact a pharmacist, clinician or Info-Santé 811.

Preserve information

Record the product, dose, lot number when available, use and onset dates, symptoms, other medication and care received. Keep packaging and photos without delaying treatment.

Drug or health product

A patient, relative or clinician can report a suspected adverse reaction to Canada Vigilance. You do not need to prove that the product caused it.

After a vaccine

Ask the physician, pharmacist or nurse to report an adverse event following immunization to local public health. Health Canada also allows direct reporting when needed.

After submission

Keep the report number or copy and inform clinicians following the case. Do not abruptly stop prescribed medication without clinical advice unless emergency instructions direct you.

Reporting adverse reactions — Health Canada · Vaccine side effects — Health Canada

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Official sources are linked in the guide. Reviewed August 29, 2026; confirm current instructions and deadlines with the responsible authority.
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