ATAGI Updated advice on the use of pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines in children under the age of 10 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has informed the manufacturer, CSL, that its registered 12 months shelf life can no longer be supported and the shelf life has been reduced to 6 months. As a result, existing stocks of Panvax® Junior should now be considered expired. Further information can be found at http://www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/publishing.nsf.  

The decline in potency appears to be the result of particular characteristics of the H1N1 itself. Similar declines in potency have been identified internationally by other regulators and have led to reductions in shelf life for other brands of H1N1 monovalent vaccine. 

The safety of the vaccine is not affected. 

In Australia, the decline in potency is specific to the Panvax Junior vaccine which is supplied in 0.25 mL syringes. Panvax in multidose vials is not affected by the decline in potency, nor are the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines all of which include an H1N1 component.  

To ensure the vaccine is no longer administered, CSL is retrieving all stock from immunisation providers and vaccine distribution points. CSL will contact all immunisation providers to advise them of this issue and the retrieval process. To access the release, click here.