Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (IVSS) 2008/09
Feature Topic
Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (IVSS) 2008/09
2009-03-31
Frequently Asked Questions for Doctors
(IV) Amendment of Particulars
- What is the recommended influenza vaccine composition?
- How many shots of influenza vaccination will my child need?
- Can a child given a full adult dose be waived a second dose?
- How to ensure accurate administration of correct dosage for children who need half of an adult dose?
- What is the recommended influenza vaccine composition?
The viral-strain composition recommended by the Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases in 2008-2009 (northern hemisphere winter) contains the following:
- A/Brisbane/59/2007 (H1N1)-like virus
- A/Brisbane/10/2007(H3N2)- like virus
- B/Florida/4/2006-like virus
- How many shots of influenza vaccination will my child need?
To ensure adequate immunity against influenza, children under 9 years old who have never received any influenza vaccine are recommended to be given 2 doses of influenza vaccine with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. Those who only received 1 dose in their first year of vaccination are recommended to receive 2 doses in the following year. Thereafter, they need 1 dose each year.
- Can a child given a full adult dose be waived a second dose?
No. A full adult dose of influenza vaccine cannot substitute a second dose. To ensure adequate immunity against influenza, children under 9 years old who have never received any influenza vaccine are recommended to have 2 doses of influenza vaccine with a minimum interval of 4 weeks. Those who have only received 1 dose in their first year of vaccination are recommended to receive 2 doses in the following year.
- How to ensure accurate administration of correct dosage for children who need half of an adult dose?
One of the better ways is to discard the surplus from the syringe before injection or use the dosage prepared for young children.