FLU VACCINJITION FOR CHILDREN H1N1 shots for kids below 10 approved

CHILDREN aged between 6 months and 10 years will now be allowed to get the H1N1 vaccine.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Health Sciences Authority are satisfied with the safety profile of the CSL Limited's Panvax H1N1 vaccine, after reviewing the safety of the vaccine for this age group.

The green light follows less than two weeks after the vaccine was deemed safe for those aged between 10 and 18 years.

Like the seasonal flu jabs it is however not allowed for those under 6 months.

Children below 10 need to be given two doses four weeks apart to build their immunity, with those below 3 to be given lower vaccine volumes. Children above 10 and adults are given just one dose.

MOH explained that individuals will develop immunity against the virus after two weeks of getting the first dose of the vaccine.

A second dose given at least four weeks later, is needed in children less than 10 years of age to ensure immunity is sustained.

The Ministry said a large number of H1N1 cases have occurred in the younger age groups.

About 20 per cent of individuals hospitalised for H1N1 or its complications were aged below 10 years, while another 20 per cent were between the ages of 10 and 19 years.

That is why MOH strongly encourages vaccination for children as they are at higher risk of developing influenza-related complications