Swine flu vaccine

Interim Report of the National Narcolepsy Task Force

The National Narcolepsy Task Force released an Interim Report of its progress and findings on 31 January 2011.
Interim Report of the National Narcolepsy Task Force (PDF 792 KB)

Pandemrix vaccinations discontinued

In Finland, vaccinations against swine flu using Pandemrix vaccine were discontinued in August 2010 as a safety measure until an explanation is found for the observed rise in cases of narcolepsy among children and adolescents.

At the time of this safety measure, there was no influenza epidemic in Finland, so there was no immediate need for vaccinations. Moreover, a large part of the Finnish population already has some protection against swine flu as a result of vaccination or from having had swine flu.

The National Narcolepsy Task Force appointed by THL is studying any potential association between narcolepsy, swine flu and the pandemic influenza vaccine.

Seasonal flu vaccine also provides cover against swine flu

This winter’s seasonal flu vaccine also provides cover against swine flu. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) chooses the virus strains thought most likely to cause influenza epidemics for inclusion in that year’s influenza vaccine. This year’s seasonal influenza vaccine includes a H1N1 (swine flu) virus strain. However, the seasonal influenza vaccine does not contain an adjuvant or any preservatives.

A seasonal influenza like vaccine incorporating the swine flu vaccine was given to 29 million children in the United States last winter, with no indications of an increased incidence of narcolepsy.

Contact details (Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities)