Seasonal flu and swine flu in children? What should I do?
This is a media release distributed by the Bankstown GP Division on 27th April 2010.
Seasonal flu immunisation: speak to your doctor
Swine flu immunisation: safe for all children
What is the difference between Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu vaccine for young children?
In late April 2010, the Australian Government stopped Seasonal Flu immunisations for children aged five years and younger.
Seasonal Flu vaccine is different to Swine Flu vaccine.
Panvax is the name of the vaccine that protects people from Swine Flu.
Swine Flu immunisations with Panvax are still encouraged for children and adults of all ages.
Swine Flu immunisation is safe for everyone - including young children.
Keep your kids safe from Swine Flu this winter
Swine flu first appeared in North America in April 2009.
In Australia, by February 2010, nearly 5,000 people with Swine Flu were so ill they were admitted to hospital, and 191 had died.
In most age groups, Swine Flu has been more serious than Seasonal Flu.
What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?
Swine Flu produces a mild illness, but can be a serious disease in some people.
The most common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, headache, chills, shortness of breath, along with aches and pains.
Why should you immunise young children against Swine Flu now?
It is likely that Swine Flu will circulate widely throughout Sydney this winter.
Few children in Bankstown were immunised against Swine Flu in 2009.
Across Australia, doctors have focused on protecting families against Swine Flu by immunisation with Panvax vaccine.
Panvax is the name of the vaccine that protects people from Swine Flu.
Panvax vaccine is available free to all Australians under a special government program.
Should I visit my doctor?
Yes.
Talk with your doctor about Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu vaccinations for your children.
More information
Media release - Seasonal flu vaccine and young children - advice from the Australian Government Chief Medical Officer 23/4/10
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mr-yr10-dept-dept230410.htm
Media release - The facts on swine flu Hon. Nicola Roxon MP Minister for health and Ageing 21/3/10http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf/Content/news-210310/$File/news-210310.pdf
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