Ban on flu vaccine for young kids lifted

The nation's chief medical officer has lifted his suspension on flu vaccine for
children under five after a series of adverse reactions earlier in the year.
Professor Jim Bishop said continued close monitoring of side affects showed
convulsions appear to be confined to the vaccine Fluvax, manufactured by CSL.
He said investigations in Australia and overseas indicate that there does not appear
to be the higher than normal incidence of convulsions in children under five with
the other seasonal flu vaccines Influvac and Vaxigrip.
"While to date it has still not been possible to identify a biological or other
basis that would explain the higher than expected observed rates of fever and
febrile convulsions with Fluvax, the investigations are continuing," Prof Bishop
said.
"In the meantime I am now advising that if parents of children under five years of
age wish to have their children vaccinated against seasonal flu that they should
discuss with their GP or vaccine provider the use of Vaxigrip or Influvac."
He said it should be noted that influenza itself often causes fever in young
children which can lead to adverse reactions.