The number of reported cases of Gillain-Barre syndrome (a rare paralytic disorder) that occur following influenza vaccination has decreased over the past 12 years, according to a study in the November 24 issue of JAMA.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a paralytic disorder in which the body's immune system affects part of the peripheral nervous system, according to background information in the article. The first symptoms include varying degrees of weakness or tingling sensations in the legs followed by progressive weakness. Concerns about the risk of developing GBS following influenza vaccination have been present since an association was first noticed during the 1976-1977 A/New Jersey (“swine influenza”) season. Evidence for a relationship between GBS and other influenza vaccines, however, has been less clear. GBS remains the most frequent neurological condition reported after influenza vaccination to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) since its inception in 1990.
Penina Haber, M.P.H., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and colleagues evaluated trends of reports to VAERS of GBS following influenza vaccination in adults. Reports of GBS in persons 18 years or older following influenza vaccination were evaluated for each influenza season from July 1, 1990, through June 30, 2003. The number of people vaccinated was estimated from the National Health Interview Survey and U.S. census data. Beginning in 1994, active follow-up was conducted to verify GBS diagnosis and obtain other clinical details.