Nation-wide Flu Vaccine Ban for Children Under 5

[Visitor6]

Flu vaccines change every year in the strains included based on the previous years prevaence of strains and predicted vectors of transmission through the region.

Whilst the H1N1 is another virus. It is still a flu variant- not new technology- and AUS is a leader in vaccine technology, so I would trust one of our vaccines.

It is reasonable to expect a batch or handling error eg cold storage chain problem given the confinement of febrile illness/ febrile seizures to WA.

[hmn]

It is reasonable to expect a batch or handling error eg cold storage chain problem given the confinement of febrile illness/ febrile seizures to WA.

I've received two phones calls from the Health Department since my DD's reaction and I have asked this question. They assured me they have strict guidelines about storage. Any vaccines that were affected by the storm would be discarded. She also said, if in the very unlikely event that an "off" vaccine was used, it would be less affective rather than cause an adverse reaction.

Who knows if we'll ever be told why this has happened. It seems they avoiding admitting any of these reactions have anything to do with the vaccine. But for any parent that saw their child go through a reaction, KNOW it was the vaccine.

[Visitor6]

So we have an hyperacute febrile response that has led to seizures, from a component of the vaccine.

It may be for example that the viral components have not been attenuated properly,ie made dead if you like. It is important not to eliminate every possibility of cause. For example, some and I mean some, are caused by still sick children being vaccinated. So many variables to consider

I can't see any reason to cover anything up.
The safety measures have been initiated as published. The process of assessing all patients and vaccine stock and supply and manufacturer processes must take time I imagine.

[2CheekyMonkeys]

from what i can gather (and icould be wrong) the flu shot didnt CAUSE the seizures it caused the fevers which as a side effect cause the seizures?

hmn.. are you in WA?

i just really hate flu season!

[Mother Goose]

I haven't read all of these posts and am late coming into this thread. But I want to re-post what I wrote in another thread...

Just wanted to add; I actually have the email released from the AMA regarding the suspension of this immunisation. It has been advised to cease this immunisation in under 5's whilst they investigate the cause. At the time of the email being written, it was unknown if the number of children presenting with adverse side effects (especially febrile convulsions) was elevated or within the usual spectrum of adverse reactions. Remember that it is always a risk a person will react to any medication or vaccine. We hope that it doesn't happen but unfortunately, some people do react. In relation to the recent cases reported via the media, it may be that it appears there is an increase because they are being presented via the media. The AMA is investigating the data to see if there is infact an elevation in the number of adverse reactions being reported.

I am in no way down playing the seriousness of an adverse reaction (my personal and professional stance is quiet the opposite), however I do urge people to wait and see the outcome of this investigation.

HMN, the Dept is correct, there ARE stringent guidelines for the storage of the vaccine and, in fact, all medications. However, that does not mean they are adhered to. Unfortunately, some medication also deteriates rapidly. I see it all the time with a very common anesthetic drug (whereby it doesn't work as effectively due to poor storage, being open too long, the temp of the room we are in).

Nuddle,the vaccine is new every year. Each year it is altered to cover any new strain of the flu that has evolved. The flu is a mutating virus which means that it is constantly changing.

The reason the AMA has said it is safe for the Swine Flu Vaccine to continue being given is because there has not been an apparent (read my earlier paragraph stating they are trying to determine if there has in fact been an increase in reported adverse reactions) increase in adverse reactions. Also, the swine flu vaccine has been available for some months now with few issues which means it is safe to assume that any sudden spike of adverse reactions would be the COMBINATION of the regular flu vaccine combined with the swine flu vaccine.

I would again urge everyone to wait and see what the results of the investigation are. It is scary but lets wait and see what happens.

MG

[Lulu]

Why vacc kids against flu - any kind? Is this usually recommended - do children get the flu alot?

I'm genuinely interested - it's completely off my radar, I've never been told about it or been encouraged to get it for mine. I didn't even know it was recommended for kids if it is.