According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the seasonal influenza vaccine Fluarix has been approved for children ages 3 years to 17 years.
Previously, this vaccine, which contains inactivated (killed) influenza A and B viruses, had been approved for use in adults, ages 18 years and older.
Fluarix is a seasonal influenza vaccine not intended to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.
With this approval, there are now four companies approved by the FDA to manufacture seasonal influenza vaccine for use in children.
Influenza is far more dangerous than the common cold for children, who often require medical care, especially if they are younger than 5 years.
It is best to vaccinate children each fall, but vaccination also can occur in the winter months when influenza season often peaks.
Common adverse events experienced after administration of Fluarix are typical of those for flu shots and include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site as well as irritability, loss of appetite, and drowsiness.
Because Fluarix contains a small amount of egg protein, it should not be administered to anyone allergic to eggs or egg products.
Fluarix is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals of Dresden, Germany.
