Smaller dose volume of influenza vaccine PBS listed for children aged 6-35 months Smaller dose volume of influenza vaccine PBS listed for children aged 6-35 months

A smaller dose volume (0.25 mL) of influenza vaccine has been PBS listed for children aged 6–35 months who are at risk of adverse outcomes from lower respiratory tract infections.¹ Vaccination is best given in autumn, from February.² Administer 2 doses (separated by at least 1 month) to children without previous exposure, impaired immunity (including HIV), chronic cardiac or lung diseases, or chronic illnesses (such as diabetes or renal failure) requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the preceding year.^3,4 One intramuscular dose is usually enough for healthy children with previous exposure to the influenza viruses in the vaccine.³

References

1. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. March 2007 positive recommendations. Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing, 2007. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/pbacrec-mar07-positive (accessed 16 January 2008).
2. Rossi S, ed. Australian Medicines Handbook. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, 2008.
3. Sanofi Pasteur Pty Limited. Vaxigrip junior product information 18 October 2007. Australia.
4. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council, 2003. http://www9.health.gov.au/immhandbook/ (accessed 16 January 2008).