TGA suspends seasonal flu immunization in children pending investigation of Western Australian reports of adverse reactions

Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is investigating reports of an increase in adverse events to the seasonal flu vaccine in Western Australia where all children six months to five years have been offered a free seasonal flu vaccination.

The pattern and rate of adverse reactions reported by WA have not been seen in other states, and the TGA will test batches of the vaccine used in WA for any abnormalities. Other states and territories seasonal flu vaccination programs have focused on individuals in high risk categories.

The TGA is investigating the WA data to determine whether the adverse reactions reported there relate to the vaccine, or the WA program delivery. However, until it can be established what is causing the rise in adverse events in some children in WA, Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, is writing to all immunization providers to advise them not to administer seasonal flu vaccinations to all children five years of age and under until further notice.