It is fair to say the recent reports of children apparently suffering adverse reactions to the seasonal influenza vaccination, including febrile convulsions and the possibility of one death, sent shockwaves through the medical community.

It is nothing short of a tragedy that a Queensland family caught up in this saga has lost a much loved daughter. That she died within hours of receiving the seasonal flu vaccine is now a matter for investigation, but at the time of writing, no link with the vaccine had been established.

It is also important to note that within hours of receiving information about a spike in the numbers of young children experiencing fever and convulsions, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Professor Jim Bishop, advised all GPs and immunisation providers to stop giving seasonal flu vaccine to children five years and under, until a cause was established.

By May, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) had tested the batches of vaccine from Western Australia and found there was nothing abnormal about them.

What needs to be remembered is that the disease is much more dangerous than the vaccination. In fact, Influenza is responsible for about 2500 deaths and a large number of hospitalisations each year in Australia.

The simple fact is, for older and at-risk Australians, annual vaccination is the only proven protection from influenza related illness.

In addition to this, people who are at severe risk of complications from influenza can, for the first time, receive the vaccination for free.

All people aged six years and over with medical conditions putting them at high risk of complications from severe influenza may be eligible for the free vaccine and should visit their GP as soon as possible.

Patients at risk include: pregnant women, people 65 years of age or older, all Indigenous Australians aged 15 years and over and anyone with certain chronic conditions including:

•    cardiac disease

•    chronic respiratory conditions

•    chronic illnesses requiring regular medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the preceding year

•    chronic neurological conditions

•    people with impaired immunity

•    children aged six to 10 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.