Beating the flu bug
Perth children are being asked to volunteer for an important national study to test the effectiveness of an influenza vaccine in children.
The study is being run by the Vaccine Trials Group at The Kids for Child Health Research and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
Study doctor Peter Richmond said that each year in Western Australia more than 226 children are notified to the Department of Health as having influenza or "the flu". Some of these children will develop serious complications as a result of the flu infection.
"These flu complications can include croup, bronchitis, middle ear infections, pneumonia and inflammation of the heart and brain," said Dr Richmond.
"Other studies have shown that children less than two years of age are more likely than adults to end up in hospital with serious complications if they get the flu."
"We hope that our research findings will lead to the flu vaccine being included on the standard childhood vaccination schedule in the future, thereby reducing the number of infections and possible hospitalisations, "said Dr Richmond
Dr Richmond said there was growing recognition in Australia and overseas about the benefits of vaccinating children to protect them against the influenza virus.
"We know from research studies with children in the USA, Canada and the UK that this flu vaccine works," said Dr Richmond.
"Our study will examine the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of the flu vaccine in Australian children with a view to it becoming a standard vaccination."
Influenza or "the flu" is caused by a highly contagious virus spread through coughing and sneezing. It is often considered to be only a mild disease but influenza is a major cause of respiratory illness and death worldwide.
Flu symptoms such as high temperatures, chills, sweating, headache, cough and muscle and joint pain develop within one to three days of infection with the virus.
The study will recruit 300 children nationally, including 50 in Western Australia.
Children in the study will receive the influenza vaccine free of charge and will be followed up by a doctor for 12-15 months.
The study needs healthy children aged between six months and eight years of age. Those interested in taking part can contact the Vaccine Trials Group on 9340 8542.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY:
Study leader Dr Peter Richmond will be available for interview about the flu vaccine study. A 14 month old girl involved in the study will also be present for picture opportunities and her parents will be available for interview.
WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday March 16, 2005 at 9:30am
WHERE: Vaccine Trials Group, Children's Clinical Research Facility, corner Roberts Road and Hamilton Street, on the PMH campus. Opposite The Kids for Child Health Research building. Parking is available in the visitor car park of The Kids, 100 Roberts Road Subiaco.
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