Health regulator issues warning as vaccine given to millions is linked to debilitating illness

NHS staff must now warn patients of a rare neurological reaction linked to a new vaccine given to millions of pensioners and pregnant women after a string of cases.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued the alert for two versions of a jab that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

This alert was issued after reports of 21 patients—all over 60—developing Guillain-Barré syndrome after being vaccinated.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare but serious neurological disorder which needs urgent treatment in hospital to prevent it progressing.

It can affect people’s senses, movement, breathing and heartbeat and usual starts in the arms and legs before spreading to other areas.

The alert doesn’t mean the jab has been withdrawn, just that staff need to inform patients of the link so any who develop the reaction get the help they need as soon as possible.

In fact, experts said the benefits of being protected against RSV, which kills 8,000 adults and 100 babies each year and hospitalises many more, outweighs the small risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, so it is still recommended to get it if offered.

The MHRA issued the alert for both the Abrysvo RSV jab—made by Pfizer of Covid vaccine fame—and another RSV jab called Arexvy, made by GSK.

Abrysvo is available in the NHS while latter is available privately.

The MHRA alert reads: ‘Healthcare professionals should advise all recipients of Abrysvo and Arexvy that they should be alert to signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome and, if they occur, to seek immediate medical attention as it requires urgent treatment in hospital.’

While warnings that the jab may cause the syndrome are included in patient safety information leaflets NHS staff will now have to warn patients directly.

The watchdog’s warning follows a similar one issued by US health chiefs who in January.

Like UK experts, American officials also said while awareness of the risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome was important taking jab if eligible was still recommended.

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome can include tingling, numbness or pins and needles in feet and hands, muscle weakness and difficulty moving joints.

There may also be problems breathing and drooping face muscles or trouble swallowing or speaking.

Up to June 2, the MHRA has received 21 Yellow Card reports of suspected Guillain-Barré syndrome in older adults, aged 75-79 where known, after they were given an Abrysvo vaccine.

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