Swine Flu Vaccine Increases Risk of Narcolepsy
It’s been a long time since we’ve heard any news about the swine flu or the swine flu vaccine. No news is usually good news, and that’s the way we like it.
Unfortunately, there may be cause for concern among some individuals who thought they had done the “right” thing by getting their swine flu jabs. That cause for concern is narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder that causes those affected by it to suddenly and unexpectedly fall asleep.
Pandemrix under scrutiny
Recently, the European Medicines Agency reported news of a possible link between ten reported cases of narcolepsy and Pandemrix, a swine flu vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline and widely used in the UK during the swine flu pandemic. In an effort to learn more about the suspected Pandemrix/narcolepsy connection, the EMA is involved in an investigation designed to get answers.
The EMA launched its investigation after receiving several similar-sounding reports of vaccinated children and teens who had displayed symptoms of the sleep disorder. These reports came from countries including Finland, Sweden, Iceland and the UK.
Studies conducted by the EMA showed an increased risk of developing narcolepsy after receiving this particular swine flu jab. The increased risk ranged from six- to 13-fold when compared to children and adolescents who had not received the Pandemrix jab.
A written statement by the EMA suggests that a possible interaction between Pandemrix and environmental or genetic factors may be responsible for the increased risk. Other factors may also have played a role, according to the statement.
Pandemrix was a popular vaccination option during the swine flu craze. During the pandemic, approximately 31 million people around the world received a Pandemrix vaccination. Of those, nearly six million doses were given in the UK. The EMA had recommended that Pandemrix only be given to at-risk children and adolescents when no other suitable vaccination was available.
Officials from GlaxoSmithKline reported that as of July, the company had received 335 reports of narcolepsy among individuals who had gotten a Pandemrix jab. As expected, the company has pledged to work closely with regulatory officials in Europe and elsewhere and stressed its continued commitment to patient safety. Pandemrix is no longer in use and a planned destruction of all remaining doses is scheduled this fall.
What will be the impact on the upcoming flu season?
There should not be any adverse impact, according to a spokesperson with the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, or MHRA. In a recently released statement, a spokesperson stressed that the annual seasonal flu vaccine is in no way associated with the narcolepsy issue. She stressed that there have not been any reports of safety issues associated with the seasonal flu vaccine and that the vaccine is highly recommended as a way of protecting against the seasonal flu.
That’s reassuring. But if you were vaccinated with Pandemrix and find yourself falling asleep during any type of activity during any time of the day, it’s time to visit your GP!
