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