# Neurological Manifestations of Influenza Vaccination: A Narrative Review

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the safety of influenza vaccines, focusing on rare neurological side effects and concluding that benefits outweigh risks.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of neurological adverse effects associated with different influenza vaccines.

## Key findings

- Febrile convulsions and narcolepsy are reported in children, especially with the Pandemrix vaccine.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Bell’s palsy are more commonly reported in adults, though evidence is limited.
- The overall risk of neurological complications varies by vaccine type, but vaccine benefits outweigh risks.

## Abstract

Influenza poses a significant threat to public health; it remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Vaccination has proven to be the most reliable and effective means of reducing the severity and impact of influenza infection. This review aims to assess the safety profile of the influenza vaccines with a particular focus on potential neurological manifestations. Influenza vaccines are considered generally safe and are recommended for all individuals from the age of six months. However, isolated reports of neurological adverse effects following vaccination have been reported.

In the pediatric population, the main reported manifestations were febrile convulsions and narcolepsy, with the latter primarily associated with the AS03-adjuvanted H1N1 2009 vaccine, Pandemrix. On the other hand, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Bell’s palsy were more commonly reported among the adult population; however, more evidence is needed to support these associations. In conclusion, the overall risk of neurological complications appears to vary depending on the types of vaccine administered. Despite this consideration, the benefits of the influenza vaccine in preventing severe disease and complications significantly outweigh the potential risks. Ongoing surveillance and monitoring are crucial to maintaining influenza vaccine safety.