The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

influenza vaccine prior to administration is not recommended as there is poor
correlation between test results and vaccine tolerance. 82,84-86
However, there is still a low risk of anaphylaxis, so it is essential that such
patients are vaccinated in facilities with staff able to recognise and treat
anaphylaxis. Additional information on influenza vaccination of individuals
with an allergy to eggs, including risk, dosage and observation period, can be
found in the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
guidelines. 84 (See also ‘Vaccination of persons with a known egg allergy’ in 3.3.1
Vaccination of persons who have had an adverse event following immunisation.)
Persons with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome
Persons with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have an increased
likelihood in general of developing GBS again, and the chance of them
coincidentally developing the syndrome following influenza vaccination may be
higher than in persons with no history of GBS. 87 Diagnosis of GBS is complex and
must be made by a physician. (See also 4.7.11 Adverse events below.)
Children requiring both influenza and 13-valent pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine
Parents/carers of infants or children who are recommended to receive both
influenza vaccine and 13vPCV should be advised of the slightly higher risk
of fever following concomitant administration of these vaccines (see 4.13
Pneumococcal disease). Given this relatively low increase in risk, providing
13vPCV and inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine concurrently to children aged
12–23 months is acceptable; however, immunisation service providers should
advise parents regarding this, and provide the option of administering these two
vaccines on separate days (with an interval of not less than 3 days). In the event
that fever occurs following either vaccine, an interval may minimise the risk of
increased adverse reactions.
4.7.11 Adverse events
Fever, malaise and myalgia occur commonly, in 1 to 10% of persons who receive
influenza vaccination. 88-90 These adverse events may commence within a few
hours of vaccination and may last for 1 to 2 days. 88-90 In children