The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 14, 2025
Today: April 14, 2025

Guillain-Barre syndrome 'more common than expected' with RSV vaccine in older people, CDC reiterates

RSV Vaccines
May 30, 2024

NEW YORK (AP) — Reports of a rare nervous system disorder were “more common than expected” in older U.S. adults who got the new RSV vaccines, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Thursday that's similar to what the organization said earlier this year.

Government officials still say the benefits of the shots outweigh the risks.

The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration say they're evaluating any risks, but do not plan to change their recommendation for the RSV shots, which is that patients 60 and older should talk to their doctor and then decide whether to be vaccinated.

More than 10 million older adults have gotten either Pfizer or GSK single-dose shots since early August to protect against respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms and can be dangerous for infants and older people.

Health officials have estimated about two cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome in every 1 million people who receive the RSV vaccine within three weeks of getting the shot.

The new CDC report focused on 28 cases of the syndrome in people who were vaccinated, and all but one developed symptoms within 21 days. That translated to 1.5 cases per million in people who got the GSK RSV vaccine, and five cases per million in recipients of the Pfizer shot.

CDC officials presented similar findings on the RSV shots and Guillain-Barre syndrome at a February public meeting.

An estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people develop Guillain-Barre syndrome in the U.S. each year — either after being infected by a virus or linked to a vaccination — and it’s more common in older people, according to the CDC. Most people fully recover, but some have permanent nerve damage.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Share This

Popular

Health|MidEast|Political|World

Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza on Palm Sunday and hits a hospital in the north

Israel intensifies strikes across Gaza on Palm Sunday and hits a hospital in the north
Health|MidEast|Political|World

Israeli strike leaves Gaza City’s last fully functioning hospital out of service as offensive escalates

Israeli strike leaves Gaza City’s last fully functioning hospital out of service as offensive escalates
Americas|Election|Health|Political|World

Brazil's Bolsonaro recovering after 12-hour surgery

Brazil's Bolsonaro recovering after 12-hour surgery
Health|Political|US

Trump proclaims himself 'in good shape,' but the results of his physical aren't immediately released

Trump proclaims himself 'in good shape,' but the results of his physical aren't immediately released

Health

Americas|Health|Political

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro undergoes new surgery for bowel obstruction

Brazil's former president Jair Bolsonaro undergoes new surgery for bowel obstruction
Health|Political|US

Trump’s doctor says president in ‘excellent health,’ citing results of physical and ‘frequent victories’ at golf

Trump’s doctor says president in ‘excellent health,’ citing results of physical and ‘frequent victories’ at golf
Crime|Health|MidEast|Political|World

Aid worker missing after deadly attack on colleagues is held by Israel, ICRC says

Aid worker missing after deadly attack on colleagues is held by Israel, ICRC says
Health|Political|US

Trump is in excellent health, high cholesterol controlled White House doctor says

Trump is in excellent health, high cholesterol controlled White House doctor says

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In