There will be a hearing in the High Court next month in respect of a case for damages against the State and GlaxoSmithKline taken by a person who developed Narcolepsy and Cataplexy following the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, Pandemrix.

The Government promoted vaccine programme to deal with the Swine Flu epidemic commenced in 2009. In 2010 a number of individuals, both nationally and internationally, reported ill effects shortly after receiving the vaccine Pandemrix which was manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.

In 2011 the European Medicine Agency issued a report confirming the increased incidence in Narcolepsy and Cataplexy among those who had received Pandemrix.

A report of the Irish Department of Health in April 2012 found a 13 fold increase in incidence of those who received the Pandemrix vaccine compared to those who didn't receive this vaccine.

Sufferers Of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder (SOUND) is a support group set up by parents of children, teenagers and young adults who developed Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in Ireland following the vaccine. The group represents over 70 people who developed Narcolepsy after receiving the vaccine as well as their families and carers.

SOUND calls on government to

- recognise the damage done to those affected and the need for rapid intervention;

- ensure better delivery of services through a whole of government approach and

- provide lifelong portable support to those affected.
SOUND is not in a position to comment on the details of any individual’s case. Given that 10% of our members have commenced the Leaving Certificate we ask that the media deals with this issue sensitively.

SOUND does not intend to comment further until the examinations have concluded.

About SOUND
Sufferers Of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder is a support group set up by parents of children,teenagers  and young adults who developed Narcolepsy and Cataplexy in Ireland following the vaccine, Pandemrix, in 2009. SOUND represents over 70 people who developed Narcolepsy after receiving the vaccine.

Our aims are to support the people affected and their families; to lobby the Irish Government to provide long term assistance; and to raise awareness of the condition and reach any other individuals affected.

For more please contact soundireland@gmail.com

About Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a  lifelong debilitating condition that results in excessive daytime sleepiness and frequent daytime sleep attacks. Additional common symptoms include Cataplexy which causes severe weakness in limbs  and in extreme cases total collapse.

About Pandemrix
Pandemrix is an influenza vaccine developed by Glaxo SmithKline and distributed during the 2009/10 H1N1 “Swine Flu” pandemic.  It has been linked with in excess of 1,000 cases across Europe including 70 plus cases in Ireland.

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