Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been closely watching the presence of any side-effects from the use of the Panvax vaccine since its approval for the national immunization program.

The registration of Panvax H1N1 influenza vaccine for use in adults and children 10 years of age and over has been approved by the TGA in September this year.

CSL limited, the Australian company, manufactures Panvax H1N1 using the same processes that they follow in the manufacture of seasonal influenza vaccines.

On 29 October this year, a total of 654 suspected side effects had been reported to the TGA after being vaccinated with Panvax in Australia. Over 3.75 million doses of Panvax had been distributed in Australia until then.

The side effects that have been mostly reported are of a mild and common nature like headache, gastrointestinal upset, soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site. These effects are well recognized and mentioned in the Panvax Product Information.

TGA’s assessment and its expert committee’s advice is that the vaccine is a safe, effective vaccine for prevention of the H1N1 influenza.