Information for Parents

Influenza immunisation is recommended for children
Why? Influenza infection rates are generally highest in children and they are the major cause of the spread of influenza viruses in the community.

In 2009 the highest hospitalisation rates occurred in children aged under 1 followed by children aged 1-4 years old.

The vaccination can be used to immunise children six months and older and is especially recommended if they have an ongoing medical condition that may put them at higher risk of having more severe influenza such as being on an asthma preventer, having a heart or lung problem or a weakened immune system. 

Influenza immunisation may be FREE for some children
Immunisation is free for children from six months of age with an ongoing medical condition. 

• regularly use an asthma preventer
• has diabetes
• has heart disease
• has kidney problems
• has a serious medical condition
• has cancer

If your child does not have one of these eligible conditions they can still benefit from an influenza immunisation available at a small cost. 

Febrile convulsions (fits)
Fever is a common reaction to vaccination.  In 2010, more children than usual had fever reactions following the use of one particular brand of influenza vaccine FLUVAX^®.  As a result of the increased rates of fever, there were more febrile convulsions (fits). This was not seen with other influenza vaccine brands.

As yet, there is no clear evidence as to why those reactions occurred, and clinical investigations are continuing. 

FLUVAX^® is not indicated in children under 5 years of age and as an extra precaution the Ministry of Health does not recommend the use of FLUVAX^® in children under 9 years. 

There is another influenza vaccine, FLUARIX^® that may be used for children under 5 years of age in New Zealand. Your healthcare professional will ensure you get the right vaccine for your child.

Febrile convulsions or febrile seizures are a recognised complication of fever, particularly in younger children. However most febrile convulsions resolve without complications. If your child has a febrile convulsion you must check for the cause of their fever as it cannot be assumed it is caused by the influenza vaccine.  For further information on febrile convulsions in children and what to do if they happen click Flu-Vaccine-and-Febrile-Convulsions

Other reactions to the vaccine
Common reactions are the body’s normal response to immunisation and usually resolve after a day or so. Usually these reactions consist of some pain or redness at the injection site and less often a fever or headache.  If you are concerned though, please see your doctor or nurse.

Use of paracetamol following immunisation
The use of paracetamol to control fever either before or after the vaccine is given, is not recommended.  Evidence shows that the immune response to some antigens can be reduced.

After your child’s influenza immunisation
You and your child will need to wait at the clinic or surgery for 20 minutes after the vaccine is given.  This is to make sure treatment is quickly available if a rare, severe allergic reaction occurs.

Common reactions are the body’s normal response to immunisation and usually resolve after a day or so.  If these symptoms continue andor get worse, talk to your healthcare professional. 

*When taking paracetamol, follow the manufacturer’s instructions or seek advice from your healthcare professional.

It takes up to two weeks for the body to start developing protection against influenza.  If your child is exposed to the influenza virus before or soon after immunisation, they can still get influenza.

Remember, the influenza vaccine protects against a serious viral illness.  It doesn’t protect against the common cold or other viruses and diseases in circulation.