Why you should read this article:

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To be aware of the importance of safe vaccination practice in avoiding vaccine-related adverse events

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To understand the principles of safe vaccination practice

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To enable you to use the ‘8Rs’ checklist to avoid vaccine-related adverse events

Safe vaccination practice is essential to reduce the risk of vaccine-related adverse events, ensure vaccines are administered safely and maintain a high level of confidence in vaccination programmes among the general public and healthcare practitioners. This article focuses on safe vaccination practice in relation to the routine vaccination programme, as well as considering vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It provides examples of vaccine-related adverse events and explains how using the ‘8Rs’ checklist can promote patient safety and reduce the risk of such events.