News Release                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                November 16, 2009

Updates on H1N1 Vaccine Recommendations for Children

Updated recommendations on the H1N1 flu vaccine dosing for healthy children between 3 years and 9 years of age means that one shot may be enough to provide protection from the H1N1 flu virus.

The updated recommendations reflect findings from clinical trials that suggest a single half-dose of adjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine for healthy children may provide an acceptable level of protection from infection from the H1N1 flu virus.

The updated recommendations include three components:

• Healthy children between 3 and 9 years of age should only receive a single half-dose of the H1N1 vaccine, and do not need to return for a second vaccine for now.

• Children between 6 months of age and under 3 years of age should receive two half-doses of adjuvanted H1N1 flu vaccine, administered a minimum of 21 days apart. Guidance for children in this age group is unchanged.
• Children with chronic health conditions who are between 3 and 9 years of age should receive their first half-dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. They should also receive a second half-dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine, administered a minimum of 21 days after the first shot. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization identifies children at high risk of influenza-related complications or those more likely to require hospitalization and includes children with the following chronic health conditions:

Ø  cardiac or pulmonary disorders (including bronchopulmonary dysplasia, cystic fibrosis and asthma);

Ø  diabetes mellitus and other metabolic diseases;

Ø  cancer, immunodeficiency, immunosuppression (due to underlying disease and/or therapy);

Ø  renal disease;

Ø  anaemia or hemoglobinopathy;

Ø  conditions that compromise the management of respiratory secretions and are associated with an increased risk of aspiration; or

Ø  children and adolescents with conditions treated for long periods with acetylsalicylic acid (asprin).

These recommendations, from the Public Health Agency of Canada, may be updated as more information becomes available. The updated recommendations and the studies they are based on have been reviewed the Canadian Paediatric Society and the provinces and territories. The new guidance adopts a prudent approach to protecting younger children with weaker immune systems and children with underlying medical conditions.

For further information, call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: H1N1 Flu Vaccine: Dosing Recommendations 

For more information:

Denna Leach

Program Manager

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-2345 ext. 1462