Press Release Re – Swine Flu Vaccine linked to Narcolepsy

 According to newspapers reports the HSE has said that it is actively investigating whether or not there is a link between the vaccine Pandemrix and the incidences of narcolepsy mainly children and adolescents who have been given the drug.  Narcolepsy is a very distressing chronic sleep disorder which is extremely debilitating and hits the victim during normal waking hours.  It can also lead to sudden and catastrophic muscular weakness brought on by strong emotion, sometimes this can be a total collapse. 

Now that in Europe a link has been admitted between the administration of Swine Flu Vaccine and Narcolepsy it would appear that the HSE investigation which has been going on now for sometime, will inevitably have to accept the same conclusion. If that happens it is likely that the victims will consider legal action.  History tells us that sponsored insurance or compensation schemes have never really been adequate to meet the needs of victims.  In addition, the legal landscape under the current Government is set to change and get more convoluted for families contemplating legal action on behalf of these vulnerable young people and victims of other vaccine related illnesses. 

Government policy decisions relating to medical type court cases together with management of large settlement cases are unclear at the moment and the Government are doing nothing much to clear matters up.  All that can be said is that the Irish Government does not really have any exemplary record for introducing changes that benefit the victim. 

Anyone contemplating action would be well advised to act immediately to protect their position and to negotiate once protection is firmly in place.  

A support group has been set up in Ireland and it is called SOUND.  This stands for Suffers of Unique Narcolepsy Disorder and we attach a link to their page on facebook which has contact details for members of that organisation.  If you know someone who is suffering from Narcolepsy and who suspects it is related to the Swine Flu Vaccine they should contact this group without delay. Acting in unison is far preferable to acting alone and no doubt this group which is already negotiating with the Government has all the legal protections in place already