Nerve disorder listed as side effect of AstraZeneca jab

The European Medicines Agency has listed the neurological disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, which can cause temporary paralysis, as a “very rare” side effect of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

It says Guillain-Barre Syndrome was a “very rare” side effect,although it occurs in under one in 10,000 people

The disorder is a nerve inflammation that may cause temporary paralysis and difficulty breathing.

In the United States, syndrome affects an estimated 3,000 to 6,000 people each year.

The EMA recommended that a warning be added to information on the vaccine that tells people to seek medical attention if they develop weakness and paralysis in the extremities that can progress to the chest and face.

The European drug regulator had in July listed Guillain-Barre syndrome as a “very rare” side effect of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which uses the same adenovirus technology as the AstraZeneca jab.

The US Food and Drug Administration also warned in July of an “increased risk” of developing the neurological syndrome with Johnson & Johnson’s dose.

Adapted: AFP