Guillain Barre Syndrome and Menactra Vaccine Alert

Lee Coleman

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The FDA and CDC updated an October 2005 alert regarding reports of Guillain Barre (GBS) following the vaccine of Menactra Meningococcal Conjugate A, C, Y and W135, the manufacture is Sanofi Pasteur. In October of 2005 there were 5 reported cases of GBS following the administration of the vaccine. To date there is a total of 15 reported cases among the age groups of 11-19 year olds, and two additional cases in 20 years of age and older.

GBS is a disorder where the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The first symptoms can include different degrees of weakness or tingling in the legs, many times the sensations spread to the arms and upper body. These can increase until the muscles cannot be used and the patient can be totally paralyzed. Most patients recover but it can be weeks, months and even years. There is no known cure.

Menactra prevents meningococcal disease, a major cause of bacterial meningitis and blood stream infections. This disease affects around 100,000 people in the age range of 11-19 annually and can be life threatening.