30 April 2010 An update on seasonal influenza vaccine suspension
The Australian Government continues to suspend the use of seasonal flu vaccine for children aged 5 years and under until further notice. This advice applies to all seasonal influenza vaccinations, but not to the H1N1 vaccination. Recommendations for the use of this vaccine for adults and children aged over 5 years continue as normal. A new communiqué with the latest information and a letter from the Chief Medical Officer is now available on the RACGP website at www.racgp.org.au. Updated information will also be available at www.immunise.health.gov.au.
The suspension occurred in response to a series of febrile convulsions in young children in Western Australia after receiving seasonal influenza vaccination.
This suspension is a precautionary step, while the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation continue their investigations.
Parents should be reassured that routine childhood immunisations should be continued as normal, and that Australia has a safe and effective vaccination program with high quality surveillance processes in place.
Useful links for general practice teams, including information about vaccine safety and the management of febrile convulsion, and state/territory contact details for local public health units are available at www.racgp.org.au/ff/20.
M5 Project - RACGP men's health initiative helping men to help themselves
M5 encourages men and those who care about them to recognise the importance of men forming an ongoing relationship with a GP.
