The Victorian immunisation safety service SAEFVIC has received
55 reports of fever and eight reports of febrile convulsions in
children under five following the seasonal influenza vaccine,
Fluvax, since March. Three children were admitted to hospital with
febrile convulsions. All children with febrile convulsions have
recovered.
SAEFVIC, based at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute and
funded by the Victorian Department of Health, receives vaccine
safety reports from health care providers and the community on
adverse events following immunization in adults and children.
SAEFVIC director Dr Jim Buttery said: "As with other states,
Victoria has temporarily suspended giving seasonal influenza
vaccine to children under five years while these reports are
investigated. The H1N1 influenza vaccine, Panvax, can still be
given to young children safely, including those under five years.
Parents who are concerned their children have experienced health
problems following vaccination should discuss these with their
family doctor or immunisation provider."
Febrile convulsions are usually brief, generalized seizures
associated with febrile illnesses in children less than six years
of age. They occur in three to four per cent of children and may
recur in one in three. In otherwise healthy children, they are not
associated with subsequent neurological problems. Some children who
have recurrent seizures may be diagnosed with epilepsy later in
life.
SAEFVIC provides clinical services to health care providers and
patients, including expert advice, specialist consultations and
assessments, and, if required, supervised revaccination.
Notifications to SAEFVIC can be made online at www.saefvic.org.au or by phoning 1300 882
924.