Pandemrix, a vaccine developed in 2009 to prevent H1N1 flu, commonly known as swine flu, may increase the risk of narcolepsy in young adults.
Scientists from the Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm have come to such conclusions. Their findings are published in the latest issue of the Journal of Internal Medicine.
The researchers, led by Dr. Ingemar Persson, conducted a large cohort study to determine whether Pandemrix contributed to any immune or neurological disease. To this end, they analyzed data taken from regional and national vaccination registers, which cover more than 61% of the population. residents of Sweden.
While the analysis did not find any association between Pandemrix and the increased incidence of immune or neurological diseases, the researchers noted that it was associated with an increased incidence of narcolepsy. This mainly applies to people aged 20 and a little younger (a threefold increase in risk) and people between the age of 20 and 30 (a two-fold increase). No similar effect was observed in 40-year-olds.
We have shown that the use of Pandemrix increases the risk of narcolepsy in adolescents and young adults. At the same time, we reassure you that it does not cause other diseases: neither neurological nor immunological, says Dr. Persson. (PAP)