Possible hidden hazards of mass vaccination against new influenza
A/H1N1: have the cardiovascular risks been adequately weighed?
Bhakdi S, Lackner K, Doerr HW.
Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center,
Augustusplatz, 55101, Mainz, Germany,
sbhakdi@uni-mainz.de
Med Microbiol Immunol. 2009 Oct 23. [Epub ahead of print]
http://www.springerlink.com/content/26r335851h17584g/
Programs for vaccination against the new influenza A/H1N1 targeting many
hundred million citizens in Europe and the USA are to be launched in the fall of
this year. The USA is planning to employ a non-adjuvanted vaccine, whereas
European nations are opting for inclusion of MF59, the adjuvant contained in an
alternative seasonal flu vaccine, or the related adjuvant AS03 that is contained
in a recently developed H5N1 vaccine. We draw attention to unappreciated hazards
of using adjuvanted vaccine in Europe. Evidence from animal experiments in
conjunction with clinical epidemiological data indicates that, quite
irrespective of cause, stimulation of the immune system may accelerate
atherogenesis. Application of adjuvanted flu vaccines to individuals at risk may
therefore aggravate the course of underlying atherosclerotic vessel disease with
all the clinical consequences. The same may hold true for other widespread
diseases that are propelled by deregulated immune mechanisms. Safety trials
conducted to date have not specifically taken these possible side effects into
account, and unexpected serious adverse effects thus may follow in the wake of a
general vaccination program. A prudent consequence would be to establish careful
survey systems alongside with mass application of new adjuvanted vaccines, or to
hold mass vaccination in reserve for use only in situations of true need, such
as would arise with the emergence of a more virulent new H1N1 virus strain, or
to use non-adjuvanted vaccines in individuals who are potentially at risk for
adverse side effects.
PMID: 19851782