Pandemic A/H1N1 2009 Influenza Vaccine Linked with Increased Risk for Narcolepsy in Children

This report confirms previous reports of elevated risk.

Narcolepsy, with or without cataplexy (transient loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotion), has been associated with pandemic A/H1N1 2009 influenza. To examine the risk in children vaccinated with ASO3 adjuvanted A/H1N1 vaccine (Pandemrix), investigators in England retrospectively compared the odds for vaccination in 75 children aged 4 to 18 years at onset of narcolepsy after introduction of the vaccine with that in the age-matched general population. This vaccine covered 24% of healthy children aged <5 years and 37% of high-risk children aged 2 to 15 years.

Eleven of the 75 cases had received Pandemrix prior to onset of narcolepsy (6 within 3 months, 1 within 3–6 months, and 4 within 7–14 months). In the analysis adjusted for risk gr…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)