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A study of side-effects of Pandemrix influenza (H1 N1) vaccine on board a Norwegian Naval vessel
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Abstract
Background. The frigate His Norwegian Majesty’s ship (HNoMS) Fridtjof Nansen was participating in operations in the Gulf of Aden in support of the EU mission tasked with protecting vessels from the threat of piracy. The crew was therefore prioritized and given the first batch of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine (Pandemrix®).
Objectives. To investigate the type, frequency, and intensity of side effects after whole-crew vaccination with Pandemrix vaccine in healthy subjects in a controlled environment.
Material and methods. A hundred and thirty-three members of the crew were vaccinated, and then they participated in the study. The side effects of the vaccination were evaluated through a survey.
Results. Seventy-five per cent of the vaccinated sailors reported adverse reactions to the vaccine, with 9% not being able to perform their daily duties for one day. Muscle pain, headaches, malaise, and fatigue were the most frequent symptoms reported.
Conclusions. The vaccination program using Pandemrix H1N1 vaccine resulted in a high rate of side effects, which were generally mild and resolved within a few days. No serious lasting side effects of the vaccination were reported or registered. The adverse effects of the vaccination did not affect the operational capacity of the vessel. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 246-250)
Abstract
Background. The frigate His Norwegian Majesty’s ship (HNoMS) Fridtjof Nansen was participating in operations in the Gulf of Aden in support of the EU mission tasked with protecting vessels from the threat of piracy. The crew was therefore prioritized and given the first batch of Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine (Pandemrix®).
Objectives. To investigate the type, frequency, and intensity of side effects after whole-crew vaccination with Pandemrix vaccine in healthy subjects in a controlled environment.
Material and methods. A hundred and thirty-three members of the crew were vaccinated, and then they participated in the study. The side effects of the vaccination were evaluated through a survey.
Results. Seventy-five per cent of the vaccinated sailors reported adverse reactions to the vaccine, with 9% not being able to perform their daily duties for one day. Muscle pain, headaches, malaise, and fatigue were the most frequent symptoms reported.
Conclusions. The vaccination program using Pandemrix H1N1 vaccine resulted in a high rate of side effects, which were generally mild and resolved within a few days. No serious lasting side effects of the vaccination were reported or registered. The adverse effects of the vaccination did not affect the operational capacity of the vessel. (Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 246-250)
Keywords
H1N1-vaccination; whole-crew vaccination; side effects
About this articleTitle
A study of side-effects of Pandemrix influenza (H1 N1) vaccine on board a Norwegian Naval vessel
Journal
Issue
Article type
Original article
Pages
246-250
Published online
2011-02-24
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665
Article views/downloads
4541
Bibliographic record
IMH 2010;62(4):246-250.
Keywords
H1N1-vaccination
whole-crew vaccination
side effects
Authors
Johan Storm Munch
BjØrn Helge Johnsen
Ingelin Birkeland
Morten Finne
Torun Utkilen
Tommy BØe
Gry MjØlhus
Jan Sommerfelt-Pettersen
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