The European Vaccination Week takes place from 24 to 30 April 2025. The FAMHP is therefore mapping adverse reactions reported after vaccination in children and young people. The conclusion is that the number of adverse reactions reported remains low. The reported adverse reactions are in line with the known safety profile of vaccines and confirm that the benefits outweigh the risks.
What do the figures say?
Over the past ten years (between 2015 and 2024), 553 suspected adverse reactions were reported in Belgium following the vaccination of children or young people (under 17) according to the basic immunisation schedule (recommendations of the Superior Health Council). This number remains low compared to the large number of children who have received the recommended vaccinations over the past decade.
About 57 % of reports of adverse reactions after vaccination include general disorders (fever, malaise, fatigue ...) and reactions at the injection site. Gastrointestinal disturbance, effects on the nervous system (headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness ...) and skin conditions are also frequently reported (17 to 29 % of cases).
The five most reported adverse reactions are:
- fever (in 17 % of cases);
- vomiting (in 14 % of cases);
- headache (in 8 % of cases);
- diarrhea (in 8 % of cases);
- pallor (in 5 % of cases).
More severe reactions, such as convulsions with or without fever, intestinal intussusception or anaphylactic shock, were reported less frequently: 14 cases of convulsions, 10 cases of intestinal intussusception and 7 cases of anaphylactic reaction or shock of all reported adverse reactions.
Please help ensure safe vaccines and report adverse reactions via this page.
The role of the FAMHP
With the Vaccines spearhead, the FAMHP is committed to safe and effective vaccines on a daily basis. Before a vaccine is marketed, it goes through an extensive process of research, development and evaluation. Each vaccine is thoroughly tested in several phases of clinical trials to ensure safety, efficacy and quality. A vaccine is allowed on the market only after approval by the competent authorities. The FAMHP plays a crucial role in each phase.
In 2024, the FAMHP:
- handled five national requests for scientific and technical advice to vaccine developers;
- reviewed 28 applications for new clinical trials, of which 26 studies were approved, including 18 for new prophylactic vaccines;
- played a key role in the approval of vaccines in Europe by acting as rapporteur for 5 of the 9 vaccines approved by the EMA.
Vaccine information in clear language
On PharmaInfo.be you will find information (in French and Dutch) about:
- flu;
- whooping cough (pertussis);
- RSV;
- COVID-19;
- HPV (cervical cancer);
- yellow fever;
- hepatitis B;
- travel vaccination;
- …
Vaccine symposium on 5 September 2025
On Friday 5 September 2025, the FAMHP is organising a vaccine symposium for scientists, healthcare professionals and vaccination experts. This event will offer insights into the role of the FAMHP and its partners in the vaccine lifecycle.
In 2025, the FAMHP will also organise scientific and technical meetings, where developers can get advice on their vaccine technologies. Interested? Contact us at vaccin@fagg-afmps.be.
More information
Reliable and up-to-date information about vaccination in Flanders - allesovervaccineren.be