Federal officials are investigating the prevalence of fever-related seizures in children who received the Fluzone  flu shot.

The confirmed to the Associated Press that there have been thirty-six confirmed reports of children between the ages of six months to two years of age who suffered seizures after receiving the Fluzone flu shot. All 36 suffered febral seizures within one day of receiving the Fluzone vaccine, the only flu shot recommended for infants and toddlers in the United States. Of the thirty-six, only ten were hospitalized and all of the children have fully recovered.  While febral seizures can occur with any common childhood illness, including a cold, ear infection, or viral infection, the investigation comes after young children in Australia and New Zealand suffered from fevers and seizures after receiving the Fluvax flu vaccine manufactured by CSL Biotherapies.

While the FDA has not changed its recommendations for using the vaccine, nor has there been any change in flu vaccine guidance, the FDA is investigating to see if there is any connection between the vaccine and seizures, or whether something else triggered the convulsions.

Currently, the flu vaccine is recommended for patients who are six months and older.

Fluzone is manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur, who has responded by emphasizing that the cases may simply be a coincidence as no clear link has not been established.

The FDA”s announcement comes in the midst of the FDA emphasis on full disclosure of potential health issues related to drugs and devices even after they have been approved. Currently, there is an existing national reporting system that monitors possible adverse reactions to vaccines following their injection. Medical practitioners and manufacturers can file their reports with the system.

We will keep you updated.