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Seasonal influenza vaccine for children under 5 years of age resumed
The current suspension on the use of 2010 trivalent influenza vaccine for healthy children less than 5 years of age has now be lifted provided the trivalent influenza vaccines Vaxigrip® or Influvac® are used. This is based on additional data confirming low rates of fever and febrile convulsions similar to that documented for trivalent influenza vaccine in previous years.Although Fluvax® remains a registered trivalent influenza vaccine for use in children aged less than 5 years, the accumulated data on increased rates of fever and febrile convulsions within 24 hours of immunisation with the 2010 Fluvax® in children less than 5 years of age has led to a recommendation for the use of alternative available influenza vaccines in this age group.
Therefore, the suspension of the use of the 2010 trivalent influenza vaccines Vaxigrip® and Influvac® for healthy children less than 5 years of age can be lifted and these vaccines safely given due to their low and acceptable rates of fever and febrile convulsions, similar to that seen in previous years.
Immunisation providers should use their clinical judgement to evaluate the risks and benefits for the individual child and agree the best clinical management with parents. Despite the documented signal with Fluvax®, febrile convulsions after influenza vaccination continue to be uncommon events. Nevertheless parents should be made aware of this side effect and each child should be monitored for fever. Paracetamol and physical methods may be used to reduce fever.
All seasonal influenza vaccines for those aged 5 years and over are safe and effective and can continue to be recommended, especially for high risk populations such as those with underlying medical conditions, Indigenous populations, those aged 65 years and over and pregnant women.
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
- Seasonal Influenza Vaccination for young children - Fact sheet
- Latest medical advisory from the Chief Medical Officer
- Questions and Answers on the seasonal influenza vaccination
- TGA Frequently asked questions - What is the TGA doing?
- Contact your State or Territory health authority
Media Centre
- CMO media release - 30 July 2010: Seasonal flu vaccination for young children can be resumed
- CMO media release - 1 June 2010: Investigation Into Febrile Convulsions In Young Children After Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Interim Findings And Recommendations 1 June 2010
- 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
Page last modified: 30 July, 2010