Flu vax risks in under 5 y.o.?

[~Kaz~]

Does anyone know what the risks are of giving a flu vax to a 2 year old? I am getting conflicting medical advice about this and want to do some independent research - are there any decent websites or research out there? I'm talking about the current winter flu shot.

(and before anyone has a go at me for even considering a vax like this with my 2 year old, DP has cancer and due to his treatment he is about to have no immune system for months. DS is in childcare 4 days a week. This winter, contracting the flu or even a bad cold will be life threatening for DP so I have to carefully weigh up the risks/benefits of all scenarios).

TIA.

[melbel]

It is not allowed for under 5 year olds as far as I am aware....after the deaths and children left with seious brain damage in WA last year it was withdrawn as a vaccine for anyone under five, the risks of serious side effects being deemed too great even though the vaccine has since been modified. I was told my GP he would not give it my bubba.....

[megs]

I was at the Dr today and asked about having the flu vax for myself. She said at the moment their was too much conflicting information and that for pregnant women and children under 5 it is not advised unless they are in the very high risk category.

Hope that helps

[~Kaz~]

Ok thanks. I didn't realise it would be related to what happened in WA because I thought it was newly developed each year on the basis of the northern hemisphere flu's.

DPs treating doctors are saying to get it. They obviously don't know it has been withdrawn and are putting DP's health first. DS's medical centre said he can't get it without doctor permission. Other's have just said it's "not recommended". It's hard to know what to do.

[megs]

Is there a medical health board or someone you could contact. You are in a hard situation given your husbands illness, but then you wouldn't want to expose your son to something potentially harmful either.

Hope you can get some clear answers from somewhere.

[LimeSlice]

As an aside, make sure you up his vitamin c and zinc intake to help prevent illness in the first place, and support it by ensuring he is eating enough fresh fruits and veg, especially greens.
DD was too young when mum had cancer to get the flu shots etc, so we had to play the prevention game.

[melbel]

The fluvax had never really been given to children under 5 before last year and all the panic about the swine flu prompted some states to introduce it for under fives )not all states did this) so it was a shock when there were so many reactions....each year's fluvax is basically the same components, they just add the current flu strains to the mix, but they are made to the same basic formula. This year's fluvax contains swine flu in the mix which is partly why they are not recommending for under fives, and also because they are not really sure which component of the vaccine caused the adverse reactions in WA in the first place.

It's a really tough call for you hun...you really need to talk to someone in infectious diseases and look at what the actual risk are of your son contracting the flu versus the risk of reactions etc......

[AliBaby]

Hi hun, I know you are looking out for everyone in your family and how serious it could be for DP if J were to bring home the flu. FWIW I know that westmead children's hospital were doing case studies this year on the flu shot with under 5's They came to DD's CC and were wantng to test half the kids to see if it made a difference over the winter cold/flu season.

I didnt have DD done but I am sure they must have some data so ringing the hospital might be a good option I spoke with the lady and she did say that it is a new vaccine and what actually caused the deaths over in WA was the batch of vaccines. I still was unsure so just didnt get DD done but I know your circumstances are completey different (not saying you would but J at risk, just that it could be a good thing for you guys).

Found this on The Australian

The 2011 flu jab, to be made available from Tuesday, will be identical to last year's world-first combination of the swine flu with two strains of seasonal flu. The vaccine was banned for under-fives last April after it triggered febrile convulsions.

The TGA has approved six brands of flu vaccine to be used this winter, but recommended that only two - Influvac and Vaxigrip - be used in children younger than 10.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation states in its latest clinical circular that it does not recommend Fluarix and Agrippal vaccines for children younger than 10 because "it was used in Australia last year and there is no experience of their use in Australian children".

A third brand, Intanza, has been approved for adult use only.

ATAGI says the biggest brand, Fluvax - manufactured by Australian drug giant CSL - has not been approved for use in children younger than five.

It should be used in the under-10s only as a last resort, ATAGI says, "when no timely alternative vaccine is available and parents are informed of the potential increased risk of fever".

Risk of fits prompts bans of four flu jabs | The Australian

Does daycare know how important it is that J doesnt bring home colds and flus? They may be a little more dilligent about sending home kids who are sent to daycare sick.

Big

[AliBaby]

Just following up from your last post.

There are two recommended brands for children under 10 that are different from the brand that was used in WA last year.

Also I think your circumstances would be considered when the doctors decide whether or not DS is suitable for it.