Kids Vaccine Q&As

 
We need to protect children | Developing a safe vaccine for young children | Where to get vaccinations | Children’s dosages and safety | Travel and the holiday season

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We need to protect children

• Why should my children be vaccinated now against pandemic influenza? Isn’t the outbreak over in Australia?
• What has been the impact of pandemic H1N1 influenza on children in Australia?
• What is the current situation in the northern hemisphere with children and pandemic influenza?
• How can my child, who is under six months of age, be protected from pandemic influenza?
• If I think my child has already had swine flu, does he/she still need to get the vaccination?

Developing a safe vaccine for young children

• Why did very young children have wait longer for vaccination against pandemic H1N1 influenza?
• What did the trial show about the vaccine for children?
• Is the vaccine for children different to the current adult pandemic influenza vaccine?

Where to get vaccinations

• Where can I get the vaccine for my child?
• Back to school - can I get this vaccine through my child’s school?
• Do I have to pay for the children’s vaccine?
• Do I need to be a Medicare card holder to get the children’s vaccine?

Children’s dosages and safety

• How many doses of vaccine are required for children?
• I’ve heard reports that one dose is enough to protect children. Is this true?
• What happens if I can’t get my child vaccinated with a second dose of the vaccine in four weeks time?
• If my child is having other vaccinations, do I need to leave some time before receiving the Panvax vaccine or can they be done at the same time?
• Should some children not be given the vaccine?
• Will the seasonal flu shot protect against the pandemic virus
• What are the expected side effects from the children’s vaccine?
• Why are pre-filled syringes being made available for use in children aged under 3 years?
• Can children under 3 years be safely given the vaccine from multi-dose vials?
• Why does Panvax® H1N1 vaccine contain thiomersal?
• Is thiomersal in vaccines safe?

Travel and the holiday season

• If I am travelling overseas soon, should I and my children be vaccinated before we leave Australia?
• Where can I get more information?