Health experts have warned that the swine flu vaccine could give children a high fever. Officials from the European Medicines Agency warned that children receiving a second jab of the vaccine could see their temperatures spike and that parents should monitor their children carefully.

The warning comes as GPs prepare to give the vaccine to all healthy children under the age of 5. Current plans will see them receive two half-dose vaccines, with three weeks between the first and second injection.

The European Medicines agency said the reaction was ‘unexpected’, as previously it had not been noticed with the trial injections. Previous reported side effects included soreness where the injection was delivered, irritability and drowsiness after the second dose.

They did however conclude that a single vaccination ‘triggered a good immune response’ in children, while two injections offered further protection against the influenza strain.

While it has been suggested that the warnings could prompt the Department of Health to alter the current plans they have in place for delivering the vaccine, the EMEA encouraged doctors to continue with their current program of vaccination, according to the recommendations each country’s government had prepared.

The Department of Health in a statement said that they were encouraged that there was a positive response in children after the delivery of the first half dose, but said that they were seeking advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation as to whether one single half-dose was sufficient as a vaccine for children. They promised that if necessary, new guidelines would be developed.