An investigation by the Dutch Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb has found no link between the recent deaths of two children and their vaccination against pandemic influenza A(H1N1), known in the Netherlands as Mexican flu.

Both of the victims were boys. One, two years old, died 36 hours after being vaccinated. It was later discovered that he was already ill with the flu. The other, three years old, died from a heart dysfunction five days after his vaccination.

In most cases, the side effects from flu vaccination consist mostly of fever. This is known to occur with the vaccine Pandemrix.

Next week the second round of vaccinations for children and family members of young children begin. People who missed the first round of vaccinations due to circumstances beyond their control will still be able to obtain it.

Photo of flu vaccine by Samantha Celera (flickr)