Guillain-Barre syndrome in recipients of A/New Jersey influenza vaccine
J. S. Marks and T. J. Halpin
In late 1976, when 32% of the eligible population of Ohio received the
A/New Jersey influenza (swine flu) vaccine, systematic contact of
neurologists was used to evaluate the possible association of
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) with receipt of the vaccine. The overall rate
of GBS was significantly higher among vaccine recipients (13.3/10(6)) than
in nonrecipients (2.6/10(6)). Peak time of onset was two to three weeks
after receiving the vaccine, and cases among vaccinees were less likely to
have a history of antecedent infection than were cases in unvaccinated
persons. Even when the effect of one highly associated vaccine lot was
removed, an elevated risk of GBS remained in vaccinees regardless of
manufacturer or vaccine type (bivalent or monovalent). Systematic
surveillance is needed for rare serious reactions from all vaccines.
