Does anyone know which influenza vaccines are available in HK? Our private paediatrician recommends Fluarix or Vaxigrip for babies 6 months plus. The Australian government only recommends Influvac (Abbott) or Vaxigrip (Sanofi Pasteur) for children aged 6 months and above, so not Fluarix (GSK). Our local QHMS GP has Fluarix. Has anyone come across Influvac here?
Flu vaccination for baby
- Thread starter aec
- Start date
sea princess
Registered User
flu vaccine in babies?
Hi
I am surprised that the Flu vaccine is recommeded for babies of this age in HK? I know there were some big problems with Fluvax in Australia and doctors have suspended using it until some safety issues are dealt with? I think the issue was the addition of the swine flu to the existing vaccine. Might be worth investingating though, I know I would given the fact that your child is only 6 months.
Hi
I am surprised that the Flu vaccine is recommeded for babies of this age in HK? I know there were some big problems with Fluvax in Australia and doctors have suspended using it until some safety issues are dealt with? I think the issue was the addition of the swine flu to the existing vaccine. Might be worth investingating though, I know I would given the fact that your child is only 6 months.
EarlyYears
Registered User
I consulted with two doctors when my son was under one year old. I remember all three told me he didn't need a flu vaccine until after one. He then only got his first vaccine when he turned two then every other year after. I don't think it's necessary to get it every year.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using GeoClicks Mobile
Sent from my GT-I9100 using GeoClicks Mobile
penguinsix
Registered User
The Hong Kong Government's Centre for Health Protection recommends the vaccine for all children age 6 months to 6 years. Very young children are considered a high risk group so I was kind of surprised to hear some doctors are saying wait until age one. In fact the government is currently giving a subsidy to help pay for the vaccine for children over six months.
Subsidy:
http://vs.chp.gov.hk/civss/files/civss_parents_guide_en.pdf
Recommendations:
http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/rec...fluenza_vaccination_for_the_201112_season.pdf
http://vs.chp.gov.hk/gvp/files/faq_gvp_eng.pdf
The US CDC recommends the vaccine for all children over 6 months, provided the child does not have one of the conditions listed here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm
Children under 6 months should not get the flu vaccine, and children under 2 should never get Flumist, the spray form of the vaccine that is sprayed in the nose.
The Australia Fluvax had a problem with seizures in children under 5. While the other vaccines were 1 in 1000 having some reaction, the Fluvax had a rate of 1 in 100 and was suspended. The exact cause is still unknown but Fluvax has been withdrawn worldwide while the investigation continues.
http://www.theage.com.au/business/csl-dogged-by-fluvax-franc-20110817-1iy3x.html
Subsidy:
http://vs.chp.gov.hk/civss/files/civss_parents_guide_en.pdf
Recommendations:
http://www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/rec...fluenza_vaccination_for_the_201112_season.pdf
http://vs.chp.gov.hk/gvp/files/faq_gvp_eng.pdf
The US CDC recommends the vaccine for all children over 6 months, provided the child does not have one of the conditions listed here: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm
Children under 6 months should not get the flu vaccine, and children under 2 should never get Flumist, the spray form of the vaccine that is sprayed in the nose.
The Australia Fluvax had a problem with seizures in children under 5. While the other vaccines were 1 in 1000 having some reaction, the Fluvax had a rate of 1 in 100 and was suspended. The exact cause is still unknown but Fluvax has been withdrawn worldwide while the investigation continues.
http://www.theage.com.au/business/csl-dogged-by-fluvax-franc-20110817-1iy3x.html
Last edited: