Letter to the Editor

Erythema Multiforme Secondary to H1N1 Vaccine

Authors: Irenawati Samad, MBBS, Vui Heng Chong, MRCP, FAMS, FRCP, Sabrina Su Hong Binti Abdul, Azim Lim, MBBS, MRCP

Abstract

To the Editor:


Since the development of the H1N1 pandemic vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended vaccination to reduce the impact of the current H1N1 influenza pandemic.1,2 These vaccines have been developed and tested within a short period and are now distributed for mass vaccination; however, full profiles of the vaccines' adverse effects are still largely unknown. We report a potentially serious adverse effect of one of the vaccines available.

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References

1. World Health Organization. Vaccines for pandemic (H1N1) 2009. Available at: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/vaccine_preparedness/en/index.html. Accessed April 5, 2010.
 
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/. Accessed April 5, 2010.
 
3. Torres MJ, Mayorga C, Blanca M. Nonimmediate allergic reactions induced by drugs: pathogenesis and diagnostic tests. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2009;19:80–90.
 
4. Fritsch PO, Ruiz-Maldonado R. Erythema multiforme. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, in Freedberg IM, Irwin M, Eisen AZ, et al (eds): Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. New York, McGraw-Hill, 2003, pp 543–557.
 
5. GlaxoSmithKline. Package inserts. Pandemrix suspension and emulsion for emulsion for injection. Pandemic influenza vaccine (H1N1) (split virion, inactivated, adjuvanted). Arepanrix H1N1 vaccine, LOT A80CA091A, GlaxoSmithKline®). Belgium, GlaxoSmithKline, 2009.