VACCINATION PROGRAMS

145 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (27 July 2010). How many South Australian children had adverse reactions following flu vaccinations from January to June 2010?

The Hon. J.D. HILL (Kaurna—Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister for the Southern Suburbs, Minister Assisting the Premier in the Arts): I am advised:

The Immunisation Section received a total of 194 reports of reactions following receipt of influenza vaccination in children less than seven years of age.

183 of the reports related to the CSL product Fluvax or Fluvax Junior.

All reactions were transient and resolved within a short period.

The Commonwealth suspended the use of the flu vaccine in children less than five years of age while they conducted an extensive investigation into the higher than expected number of reports relating to the CSL products Fluvax or Fluvax Junior in children less than five years.

The outcome of the investigation reported there was an increased risk of fever and convulsions associated with the CSL products.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has recommended that seasonal flu vaccine continue to be offered to children less than five years of age, but the use of the CSL product (Fluvax or Fluvax Junior) in children under five years is not recommended, and an alternative brand of flu vaccine should be used in this age group.