Swine flu narcolepsy children to get payout

Youngsters who contracted narcolepsy in Finland after being inoculated against swine flu are to be compensated by the medical council.

A total of 92 people have already made claims to the Finnish Medical Insurance pool after they or their children became afflicted with the sleep disorder after taking the Pandemrix vaccine.

Each case will be investigated individually, so no compensation rate has yet been set. Costs for travel, medication and medical assistance incurred as a result of Pandemrix-induced narcolepsy can be redeemed under the scheme. Any loss of earnings incurred by the parents of a sick child could also been claimed back.

Finland’s Institute for Health and Welfare, as well as other recognised bodies across Europe, has supported research demonstrating the link between the vaccine and the onset of narcolepsy. Once the EUR 30 million compensation fund is exhausted, the government will take responsibility for the remainder of the payouts.