Update on influenza vaccination program for children aged five and under
The seasonal influenza vaccination program for children aged five and under remains suspended.
The WA Department of Health is continuing to work with the other states and territories, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing to investigate the vaccine's safety for children aged five years and under.
Communicable Disease Control Director Dr Paul Armstrong said sophisticated laboratory testing of the suspended vaccine and review of clinical cases was continuing at a national level and would take more time to complete.
"Adults and children aged six years and over should continue to be vaccinated against flu. People at increased risk of severe illness from flu are particularly encouraged to get vaccinated," Dr Armstrong said.
"We have reported to the TGA a total of 57 cases of WA children with febrile convulsions that are possibly related to the seasonal influenza vaccination. This number is likely to increase slightly as the investigation continues."
The Department of Health is also investigating reports of children who have had less febrile reactions. Most of these reports are of various symptoms including fever, grizzliness, vomiting and local reactions at the injection site.
The WA Vaccine Information Line is available on 1800 186 815 for all queries relating to the seasonal influenza vaccine. Parents of children who may have had a moderate or severe reaction to the seasonal influenza vaccine can use this number to report possible side effects of the vaccine.
Panvax vaccine can still be given to adults and children 6 months and older. Human swine flu is the predicted strain for this coming flu season, so it is important to be protected against this strain of flu.
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