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Perth researchers are about to begin testing of a new vaccine to protect against swine flu in children.

The Vaccine Trials Group at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR) and Princess Margaret Hospital for Children requires volunteers aged between 6 months and 8 years of age (inclusive).

"While in the current swine flu pandemic most cases of infection are mild, children, pregnant mothers and people with other medical conditions, are particularly at risk for complications" according to Associate Professor Richmond from The University of Western Australia School of Paediatrics and Child health who is leading the study in Perth.

"We have not yet seen many cases of severe swine flu in young children so far in WA, but we know with seasonal flu that they usually have the highest admission rates to hospital.

"The best preparation is to have a vaccine available that is proven to be safe and stimulate protective antibodies - and that's our aim."

The experimental swine flu vaccine has been made in a very short space of time to cope with the pandemic.  Trials have already begun in adults and this is the first study of the vaccine in children.

Associate Professor Richmond said there was no live virus in the vaccine which is made the same way as standard flu vaccines so there was no chance of catching the infection from the vaccination.

"If the vaccine can be used in the wider community then there is a good chance that we can stop transmission of the swine flu virus in WA so it is important that these studies are done as soon as possible," he said.

"We know that children are both particularly vulnerable to the virus and also most likely to spread it within the general community."

Study children will receive two doses of the vaccine, three weeks apart.  They will then have three blood tests over a six week period to check their immunity.  An anaesthetic cream is available prior to the blood test.

The vaccine has been developed by CSL Limited.  The study will involve 400 children nationwide, with 100 expected to participate in Perth.

To find out more or to participate in the trial, contact a research nurse on 9340 8542.

Media references

Elizabeth Chester (TICHR)  (+61 8)  9489 7965  /  (+61 4) 09 988 530
Tammy Gibbs (TICHR)  (+61 8)  9489 7963  /  (+61 4) 08 946 698
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716