Influenza Vaccination 2010

Swine Flu Vaccine

• What is in the Swine Flu vaccination ?  The 'swine flu' vaccination, protects agains H1N1 infection.  It is not a 'brand new' vaccine but simply the annual seasonal flu vaccine with the seasonal 'bits' taken out and the H1N1 Bits added. 
• Should my child have it ?  The short answer is yes. Weighing up the benefits versus the risks there is no doubt that swine flu vaccination should be considered. 
• How many doses ?  Two doses are required for those under 10yrs.   
• Side effects ? Some people have complained of aches and pains and headaches for a couple of days after the vaccine, about 2%.  Mostly there are no side effects apart from a slightly sore arm.  You cannot 'catch' the flu from the vaccination. 
• How much is it ? In Australia it is free. 

Seasonal flu vaccine

• What does the seasonal vaccine contain ?  In addition to traditional influenza A it also contains swine flu vaccine and influenza B. Therefore it is often referred to as the trivalent influenza vaccine. 
• Should my child have the vaccine ? If older than 5 years and your child has an underlying medical condition. In addition immunising children will lessen the spread of influenza. 
• How many doses ? Two doses for those under 10 years if you have not had seasonal flu vaccination before. If you have then one dose per year.  
• Side effects ? Usually none. Occasionally a sore arm and a percentage will feel unwell with fever, headaches and nausea for a few days.  
• How much is it ? The cost is $20. For children who have a specific medical problem, such as respiratory disease (cystic fibrosis etc), kidney disease, liver disease, metabolic disease, or neurological disease including epilepsy it is free. 
• If I have had two swine flu vaccines then have another two seasonal vaccines that means my child has had four needles, all containing the swine flu component. Is this alright?  There is no problem with having more than the required two doses. 

What about egg allergy ? Theoretically, as the vaccines are  derived from chick embryo, those who have anaphylaxis to egg should not flu vaccination