BRISBANE, Australia - April 27, 2010 - More than 250 adverse flu jab reactions have now been reported in children under five years of age.

Australia's adverse events hotline says its phones are "running hot" with calls from parents, and the scare has spread to New Zealand, with the Health Ministry saying it had recorded at least three cases of febrile convulsions following vaccination.

In Western Australia, where a potential spike in cases was first spotted, the number of children under five who have suffered fevers after being immunized has now risen to 251, The Australian reports.

Cases have also been reported in Queensland and South Australia.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration says parents who have concerns because their children have received the seasonal flu vaccinations should contact their doctors.

Reported adverse reactions include fever, vomiting and febrile convulsions.

Chief Medical Officer Jim Bishop has ordered the suspension of all seasonal flu vaccines for children under five, pending further investigation.

But suspicions are now centred on CSL's Fluvax seasonal flu vaccine as the likely link.

A spokeswoman for the federal Health Department said Fluvax was believed to be involved in the West Australian reports of reactions