title: A study of side-effects of Pandemrix® influenza (H1N1) vaccine on board a Norwegian naval vessel.
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(®)).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the type, frequency, and intensity of side effects after whole-crew vaccination with Pandemrix vaccine in healthy subjects in a controlled environment.
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: Norwegian Joint Operational Headquarters, Reitan, Norway.
authors.forename: Johan Storm
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Munch
authors.forename: Bjørn Helge
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Johnsen
authors.forename: Ingelin
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Birkeland
authors.forename: Morten
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Finne
authors.forename: Torun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Utkilen
authors.forename: Tommy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bøe
authors.forename: Gry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mjølhus
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sommerfelt-Pettersen
mesh_terms: D018771:Arthralgia / Q000209:etiology; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008889:Military Personnel; D009326:Naval Medicine; D009664:Norway; D018582:Sick Leave; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines; C556153:pandemrix