Toddler Ashley Jade Epapara, 2, Dies After Flu Vaccine

David and Nicole Epapara with their children

A family is in mourning after their toddler unexpectedly died less than 12 hours after receiving a seasonal flu vaccination. Two-year-old twin Ashley Jade Epapara had been "perfectly fine" before dying at her Upper Mt Gravatt home, on Brisbane's southside, on April 9. More than 45 children experienced convulsions and fever, with some having to be hospitalised in intensive care after receiving the vaccine in Western Australia. Ashley's death is being investigated by police and the office of the coroner. A spokesman for Brisbane coroner John Lock confirmed yesterday that a report was being prepared.

Suellen Hinde, Sunday Mail, Australia

Fears Grow As Toddlers Hospitalised From Untrialed Flu Vaccine

Clinical tests were never carried out on the latest seasonal flu vaccine - a first-time combination of seasonal flu with the feared swine flu H1N1 - that has left a baby girl fighting for her life in a Perth hospital and sparked fits, fevers and vomiting in up to 60 toddlers across the country. The country's chief medical officer, Jim Bishop, yesterday ordered doctors in all states to stop giving the flu vaccine to children under five. One angry West Australian mother, who only wanted to be identified as Sharon, said if officials had acted earlier, the one-year-old girl in critical condition in hospital may never have become sick. Sharon had three of her four children vaccinated two weeks ago and all three needed hospitalisation after suffering from fevers, vomiting and fits. She said it was a frightening experience after her three-year-old, Alivia, turned purple and began shaking. One of her one-year-old twins, Lateesha, later started convul sing. Peter Richmond, associate professor at the University of Western Australia's school of pediatrics and child health, said the vaccine was not subjected to trials.

Debbie Guest & Natasha Bita, The Australian

Study Launched To Find Harmful Effects of Swine Flu Vaccine

A nationwide research is undergoing to determine the possible causes of complications from H1N1 vaccine. The research data has identified symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome which can lead to paralysis and death, Bell’s palsy, which can lead to temporary facial paralysis, and thrombocytopenia. An expert committee has already given permission to follow up on the initial reports. The World Health Organization, based in Geneva and a part of United Nations, has already launched two investigations into reports that it had heightened the amount of risk posed by the swine flu epidemic.

Jason Ramsey, Top News