Warning over swine flu vaccine use for children

SWINE flu vaccine Pandemrix should only be administered to people under 20 years if the recommended annual flu vaccine is not available.

The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP), issued the advice after it finalised its review of a possible link between Pandemrix vaccination and narcolepsy. This followed an increased number of reported cases of narcolepsy (sudden and uncontrolled episodes of deep sleep) among children and adolescents in Finland and Sweden.

While stressing that further research is necessary, the CHMP recommends that Pandemrix should only be used in people under 20 years of age if the recommended annual seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine is not available.

Seasonal trivalent influenza vaccines are available in Ireland and used in accordance with national immunisation policy.

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB) is following up on and evaluating all reports of suspected cases of narcolepsy in those who have received Pandemrix in Ireland.

Some 13 cases of narcolepsy have been reported which include clinical information to confirm diagnosis. There have been 850 doses of the vaccine administered here.

The IMB recommends that anyone with concerns should consult their GP.

Earlier this month a study by Sweden’s Medical Products Agency revealed an almost sevenfold increase in incidences in vaccinated children and adolescents of narcolepsy with cataplexy (a symptom of narcolepsy that can cause sudden paralysis of the muscles) compared to those not vaccinated.