In general, no biological product can be considered 100% safe. However, all vaccines available in Australia are required to pass stringent quality, safety and efficacy requirements before being passed by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.(1)
Despite ongoing research towards safer and more effective vaccines, adverse reactions do still occur. It is important to be aware of the risks and to comply with the guidelines to reduce the chance of these occurring. However, these reactions are usually mild, and in every instance the benefits of preventing the illness far outweigh the risk of vaccination.
(1) Immunisation Myths and Realities, 3rd edition, Comonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care.
For further information and references see Why vaccinate? article
