From the Victorian Department of Health, Immunsation Section.
This is a reminder that CSL's Fluvax is NOT registered for use in children less than 5 years of age. The Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) has identified numerous babies and children aged 6 months to less than 5 years as receiving CSL's Fluvax vaccine.
Many more children aged 5 years to less than 10 years have also been notified as receiving CSL's Fluvax. There is a strong preference to NOT use Fluvax vaccine in this age group.
The following advice and more influenza vaccine information is available online at:
www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/general/delayed-free-seasonal-influenza-vaccine
Children aged between 6 months to less than 5 years are recommended to receive either of the alternate influenza vaccines available for paediatric use (Vaxigrip® or Influvac®).
There is a strong preference for the use of either Vaxigrip® or Influvac ® in children aged 5 years to less than 10 years.
Please be diligent about notifying to ACIR the correct influenza vaccine brand administered.
Please notify SAEFVIC of any adverse events following immunisation including febrile convulsions in children less than 10 years of age:
www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/general/saefvic
If you would like more information about seasonal influenza vaccine and febrile convulsion reaction please visit the TGA at:
www.tga.gov.au/safety/alerts-medicine-seasonal-flu-110310.htm
