What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome as Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine linked to rare condition
A “RARE” link between the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 100 cases of an auto-immune disease, regulators have confirmed.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome has been reported in a number of patients in the US who had the J&J jab, but what is it and how does it develop?
Around 100 preliminary reports of Guillain-Barré Syndrome have been detected in the US after 12.8 million doses of J&J were administered.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement on Monday that cases of the condition are expected to be discussed as part of an upcoming meeting of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunisation Practices.
Side effects can occur with all medications and coronavirus vaccines are no different.
Most people who have a coronavirus vaccine won't have any side effects but some people have reported pain at the site of injection, fatigue and aching after having their jab.
Aside from the reported cases in the US, four rare cases have been detected in the UK and seven in India after the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
There has also been six reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome in Australia following the AstraZeneca jab.
At present the Oxford/AsztraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech jab and Moderna jabs are all being rolled out in the UK and the J&J vaccine has been approved for use - but it's not yet clear when Brits will get it.
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What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré Syndrome, pronounced (pronounced ghee-yan bar-ray) is a condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
Most people do make a full recovery but it can be fatal and it can leave people with long-term problems.
It occurs when the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells. In about two-thirds of cases, it follows a viral or bacterial infection.
The most common infection linked to the syndrome is the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni.
It infects the gastrointestinal tract and commonly causes diarrhoea.
You can die from Guillain-Barré syndrome if it causes blood clots or severe breathing difficulties. One in 20 cases is fatal.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms start in your feet and hands, before spreading to your arms and legs.
Other initial signs include:
- numbness
- pins and needles
- muscle weakness
- pain
- problems with balance and coordination
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What have regulators said?
Officials are expected to emphasise that the J&J vaccine is still thought to be safe, and that its benefits clearly outweigh the potential risks - according to those familiar with the situation.
While reports of Guillain-Barré were rare, the CDC said evidence does “likely indicate a small possible risk of this side effect following” the J&J vaccine.
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