23 Apr 2010

Child flu shots suspended in West Australia

10:37 am on 23 April 2010

Western Australia has suspended free flu vaccinations for children under five, after at least one became seriously ill and dozens suffered serious adverse reactions.

The ABC reports the state health department has suspended the programme for children under five after a rise in admissions to Princess Margaret Hospital.

Health minister Kim Hames says that 45 otherwise healthy children had fever, vomiting and febrile convulsions after receiving the vaccination in the past month.

Dr Hames says the programme will be suspended until the department finishes an investigation.

Chief health officer Tarun Weeramanthri says the department is investigating whether the reactions were caused by a particular type of vaccine or batch.