US health officials have issued a warning connecting RSV vaccines to an increased risk of serious neurological disease.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that Abrysvo, the vaccine used in Great Britain, is associated with nine additional cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome by million doses.
A second vaccine, Arexvy, showed seven additional cases per million doses.
While recommending JABS for vulnerable adults, the FDA said that patient information leaflets would now list Guillain-Barré syndrome as potential risk.
Abrysvo, a vaccine used in Great Britain, is associated with an increased risk of a serious neurological condition
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RSV, or syncytial respiratory virus, is a common infection that can be fatal for the elderly and young babies.
The virus, which spreads through cough and sneezing, leads to around 30,000 hospitalizations for children and 18,000 adults in the United Kingdom each year.
It claims around 100 children for children each winter.
It is estimated that 8,000 adults die during the same period, because infection can exert severe pressure on the heart, which potentially leads to organic insufficiency.
The FDA study examined the vaccine reaction data for the two RSV JAB between May 2023 and July 2023.
The results have shown significantly higher rates of Guillain-Barré syndrome compared to flu vaccines, which generally cause one and two cases per million doses.
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Some patients may encounter respiratory problems, facial paralysis and altered vision
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Despite these results, the FDA argued that the advantages of VRS vaccination still prevail over the risks for vulnerable groups.
In Great Britain, Guillain-Barré syndrome is already listed as a potential complication of patient information, although not all beneficiaries receive verbal warnings.
Guillain-Barré syndrome occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells.
The first symptoms include tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, followed by muscle weakness and movement difficulties.
Some patients may encounter respiratory problems, facial paralysis and altered vision.
Although the condition is generally temporary if being treated, most patients recovering in one year, some people may undergo permanent nerve lesions.
The exact trigger remains poorly understood, although experts suspect that it can be caused by the response of the immune system to foreign substances.
In Great Britain, the Abrysvo RSV vaccine is offered to adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women during the 28 weeks of pregnancy.
Recent NHS data show that 1.5 million adults eligible in England received the RSV vaccine, including 140,000 pregnant women
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Almost half of the elderly eligible in England received the vaccine by December.
Absorption in pregnant women was lower, with only a third accepting the offer in September.
Recent NHS data show that 1.5 million eligible adults in England received the RSV vaccine, including 140,000 pregnant women.
Dr. Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “The RSV vaccine offers a vital opportunity for any future mothers to protect their babies from a serious RSV pulmonary infection.”
Current NHS data show that RSV cases are particularly high this year, with an average of 28 children hospitalized daily.
This represents an increase of 41% compared to last year.
UKHSA noted that although Guillain-Barré syndrome has been very rarely reported in the elderly receiving the VRS vaccine, there is no evidence of increased risk in pregnant women.
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