FACULTY OF PAEDIATRICS, ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF IRELAND
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20 2009
The Faculty of Paediatrics strongly supports the National Immunisation Advisory Committee with regard to Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 vaccination within the paediatric population as follows:
• All children over 6 months of age
• All household contacts of children aged less than 6 months
The Faculty of Paediatrics, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI), strongly endorses the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee that all parents in Ireland get immunisation against Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza (so-called swine flu) for their children. Immunisation may be obtained through HSE Clinics and family doctors (for those in the at risk groups). The frequency of H1N1 infection in Ireland is among the highest in Europe. The rates of infection, severe illness and death have been reported as up to 4 times higher in children than in adults. According to HPSC figures to 16th November 2009, of 3915 lab confirmed cases of Pandemic H1N1, 1691 were children aged 15 years or younger (43%). 382 children have been hospitalised with confirmed H1N1, 47% of these were under 5 years of age. 18 children aged 0 to 15 years have been admitted to ICU, 11 of these were under 5 years of age. There have been 2 H1N1 related deaths in children.
Pandemic flu vaccine is recommended for all children over 6 months of age unless there are specific contraindications to vaccination. Children, particularly those with chronic lung conditions e.g. cystic fibrosis or asthma, neurodevelopmental disorders, e.g. Cerebral Palsy or sickle cell diseases are at higher risk of sever flu infection and should be vaccinated as a matter of urgency.
Two Pandemic Swine Flu H1N1 Influenza vaccines "Pandemrix" and "Celvapan" are available in Ireland. Both have been approved by the Irish Medicines Board and the European Medicines Agency and recommended for use in children. "Pandemrix" contains a preservative (thiomersal) to prevent contamination of the vaccine, an adjuvant to make the vaccine more potent and is propagated in eggs. "Pandemrix" should not be given to children with a history of allergic hypersensitivity to eggs. The other available H1N1 vaccine "Celvapan" does not contain these additives and is not propagated in eggs. It is suitable for use in children even if they are allergic to eggs. Two doses of the same vaccine, regardless of the brand used are recommended for all children less than 13 years of age.
The potential benefits of these vaccines far outweigh any associated risk. The side effects of the vaccines are generally mild and transient. It is common for children to experience tenderness at the injection site that might last 2 – 3 days or to feel somewhat flu like following vaccination. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to relieve these symptoms. Serious allergic reactions can occur, as with any vaccination but are very rare events.
To date children have accounted for 43% of confirmed cases, with significant morbidity and mortality attached to H1N1 infection.
The Faculty of Paediatrics, RCPI wishes to emphasise its support for the National Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Vaccination Programme and to encourage all parents, but particularly those of children in the high-risk groups to avail of the vaccination programme as soon as possible.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Annemarie Murphy
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Direct Ph: 01 8639728
Mobile Ph: 086 8456646
Main Ph: 01 8639700
Fax: +353 1 6724707
annemariemurphy@rcpi.ie
www.rcpi.ie
Notes for Editor
The mission of The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is to develop and maintain high professional standards in specialist medical practice in order to achieve optimum patient care and to promote health nationally and internationally. Through its Faculties and Committees, RCPI has responsibility for the postgraduate education and training of doctors in Ireland in twenty-five medical specialties.
RCPI is fully committed to playing a full and proactive part in the transformation of the health service