Vol 62, No 4 (2010)
Original article
Published online: 2011-02-24
A study of side-effects of Pandemrix influenza (H1 N1) vaccine on board a Norwegian Naval vessel
IMH 2010;62(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-vaccinationwhole-crew vaccinationside effects
References
- Szymczakiewicz-Multanowska A, Groth N, Bugarini R, et al. Safety and immunogenicity of a novel influenza subunit vaccine produced in mammalian cell culture. J Infect Dis. 2009; 200(6): 841–848.
- Bishop JF, Murnane MP, Owen R. Australia's Winter with the 2009 Pandemic Influenza A [H1N1] Virus 2010. http://www.swineflu.org/forum_posts.asp?TID=31547 (25.07.2010).
- Centre for disease control and prevention. 2009 H1N1 Vaccination Recommendations. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm (25.10.2010).
- Chor JSY, Ngai KLK, Goggins WB, et al. Willingness of Hong Kong healthcare workers to accept pre-pandemic influenza vaccination at different WHO alert levels: two questionnaire surveys. BMJ. 2009; 339(25): b3391.
- Naz H, Cevik F, Aykin N. Influenza vaccination in healthcare workers. Journal of infectious disease in developing countries. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2009; 28: 50–54.
- Evans D, Cauchemez S, Hayden FG. "Prepandemic" immunization for novel influenza viruses, "swine flu" vaccine, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and the detection of rare severe adverse events. J Infect Dis. 2009; 200(3): 321–328.
- Zhu FC, Wang H, Fang HH, et al. A novel influenza A (H1N1) vaccine in various age groups. N Engl J Med. 2009; 361(25): 2414–2423.
- Doyle M. Swine Flu Vaccine Side Effects. Preliminary Safety of H1N1 Flu Shots. http://diseasesviruses.suite101.com/article.cfm/swine_ _flu_vaccine_side_effects (19.09.2009).
- Greenberg ME, Lai MH, Hartel GF, et al. Response to a monovalent 2009 influenza A (H1N1) vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2009; 361(25): 2405–2413.
- Clark TW, Pareek M, Hoschler K, et al. Trial of 2009 influenza A (H1N1) monovalent MF59-adjuvanted vaccine. N Engl J Med. 2009; 361(25): 2424–2435.
- Norwegian Medicine agency. http://www.legemiddelverket.no/templates/InterPage____ 82657.aspx?f ilterBy= (02.11.2010.).
