The HSE has identified 30 cases of the sleeping disorder Narcolepsy as part of an investigation into a possible link between the condition and the drug vaccine, Pandemrix.
This figure included those who have not had a final clinical diagnosis and a small number of patients who did not receive the vaccine. The HSE is working to identify any further cases as part of an ongoing clinical review. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre is leading this research and the results are expected early this year.
HSE Clinics administered over 900,000 doses of Pandemrix in 2009 and 2010. The use of the drug is no longer recommended in Ireland and GP’s have been advised to return any remaining stocks.
Authorities in Finland have commenced a compensation process that includes an initial payment, ongoing assessment of needs and the possibility of a life time pension where an individual’s ability to work and make a living has been affected by the drug.
