Topline
Wednesday's listing by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Guillain Barre Syndrome, a neurological disorder that can cause temporary paralysis, was made as a rare side effect of AstraZeneca Covid-19. This is just weeks after the nerve disorder had been listed as a possible side effects for another adenovirus vaccine manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.
From 592 million doses of AstraZeneca, only 833 cases have been reported. Getty Images
The Key Facts
EMA published an update on Wednesday that stated there was a causal relationship between Guillain-Barre Syndrome and the adenovirus-based vaccine. The EMA recommended that a warning be added to warn vaccine recipients about weakness and paralysis in their extremities, which can lead to paralysis in the chest or face. Side effects are extremely rare, with only 833 reported cases worldwide from 592 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine. GBS is a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause temporary paralysis or breathing problems. This has been reported in many patients who were infected by Covid-19.
Important Background
GBS was listed by the drug regulator in July as a rare side effect of Johnson & Johnson's single-dose vaccine. It is based on the same adenovirus technology that AstraZeneca shot. In July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned of an increased risk of developing neurological disorders with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Both agencies acknowledged that such cases are rare and that vaccines have many benefits. A British Medical Journal study found that people infected by Covid-19 were at greater risk of developing blood clots, an additional rare side effect from vaccines. This was in contrast to people who received the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine or AstraZeneca.
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Nerve disorder is listed as a'very rare side effect' of AstraZeneca jabs (AFP).
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