Neurologists should be on the lookout for any signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) in people vaccinated against H1N1 swine flu, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Neurology announced Monday.
Experts do not expect the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to increase risk of the rare disorder, but are acting out "an abundance of caution," according to a news release from the American Academy of Neurology. Because of its association with the 1976 swine flu vaccine, GBS could be of greater concern with any pandemic vaccine, the release said.
"The active participation of neurologists is going to be critical for monitoring for any possible increase in GBS following 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccination," said Dr. Orly Avitzur, who is directing the AAN effort. The request comes as part of the CDC's national vaccine safety monitoring campaign.
The H1N1 vaccine is still in production. Officials expect that vaccination of high-risk groups -- including health-care workers, infants, children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years, pregnant women and adults with underlying health conditions -- will start this fall.
In GBS, the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system, causing tingling and weakness in the extremities. It is usually, but not always, treatable.
Neurologists and other health-care professionals should use the CDC and FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System to report any post-vaccination adverse events, the announcement said.
(OK, I'm not trying to cause widespread panic, just healthy food for thought. Before you allow a foreign virus into your body that CANNOT be removed, "out of an abundance of caution" think about the long term effects. In preparation, I think I'm going to get a prescription of Tamiflu to have on hand just in case. I had the flu about five years ago and it's a miracle drug. Only side affect it has turned me into a raving right wing tea bagger,in my opinion, not a bad thing! I came very close in 1959 of being a victim of Thalidomide and I am very careful about their claims of anything being safe! VN8)
2 comments:
After out conversation this after noon on the I did a little research, and yeah - not goning to get that shot. If anything I am with you, get Tamaflu and leave it at that.
Swine flu vaccine was linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome in the '70s when they pushed the first swine flu scare. Now it's back ... and the cameras are rolling, but now the people are a little smarter. I am sure a good majority of people will stay away from this vaccine. The pinch point will be in our schools when the socialists try to push it on our kids with legislation.
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