Temporary suspension of use of seasonal influenza vaccine for children aged 5 years of age and under
Australian governments have suspended the use of seasonal flu vaccine for children aged 5 years until further notice.
This advice applies to all seasonal influenza vaccines. Children who have already received one dose of the vaccine and are scheduled to have a second dose should also not be given the second dose until further advised.
Recommendations for use of this vaccine for adults and children aged over 5 have not changed.
The suspension is due to an apparent increase in the numbers of young children in Western Australia experiencing fever and convulsions after receiving seasonal influenza vaccination. The suspension of the use of seasonal influenza vaccine in this age group is a precautionary step, pending investigation by jurisdictional and Commonwealth health authorities to establish what is causing the apparent increase.
Likewise at this stage there do not appear to be implications for the swine flu vaccine Panvax®. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that vaccination with the free Panvax® H1N1 vaccine should continue to be offered to anyone over the age of 6 months who wishes to be protected against pandemic H1N1 influenza.
To date the pattern and rate of adverse reactions reported by WA have not been seen in other states.
Reporting an Adverse Event
If you suspect your child has been adversely affected, please contact your State or Territory health authority, the Adverse Medicine Events Line on 1300 134 237 or make a report directly to TGA online.
You can also report adverse events to your doctor, hospital or health centre.
More information
- Latest medical advisory from the Chief Medical Officer
- Questions and Answers on the suspension of the vaccination program
- TGA Frequently asked questions – What is the TGA doing?
- Contact your State or Territory health authority
Media Centre
- CMO media release – 30 April 2010: Health Authorities continue to put seasonal flu vaccine on hold for young children (update on suspension of seasonal influenza vaccinations in children 5 years and younger)
- CMO Media Release of 23 April 2010: Seasonal Flu Vaccine and young children
