The Western Australian Government has suspended all flu vaccinations for children under five while it investigates a spike in admissions to Princess Margaret Hospital in Perth.
The Health Minister, Kim Hames, says 45 children have been taken to hospital suffering high temperatures and febrile convulsions after receiving the vaccination.
Dr Hames says the program will be suspended until the department finishes its investigation.
He says parents who have had their children vaccinated should take precautions.
“If it’s longer than 12 hours ago then there is no risk,” he said.
“But if it’s in the last 12 hours they should make sure that they give their child paracetamol and then take every effort to make sure that the temperature of their child is settled.”
Source: ABC News, 22nd April 2010.
