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Some persons who received the 1976-77 swine flu injections developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome. This experience has prompted concerns about the safety of influenza and other immunizations in patients who have had GBS or CIDP (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy). Since the 1976-77 experience, other published studies have not found a clear increase in risk for GBS among influenza vaccine recipients. At the point the association of GBS and influenza vaccines subsequent to the 1976 swine flu vaccine remains uncertain. Nevertheless, GBS patients often raise concerns about the safety of vaccines. Based upon the medical literature the following guidelines on the subject can be offered.
• The risk of developing GBS from most vaccines is very small. Even during the 1976 swine flu vaccination campaign, the increase in risk was about 1 case per 100,000 vaccinated persons. In most patients, the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the small chance of a complication.
• There have been rare reports of GBS and other nervous system disorders after the administration of many vaccinations. Thus, vaccines cannot be considered completely safe. However, for most immunizations, the risk of developing GBS is extremely small. Therefore, it is not usually wise for a patient to be deprived of the potential benefits of an immunization.
• In most cases where GBS developed after an immunization, proof that the injection caused the GBS has not been established. However, if a patient's GBS or CIDP was found to have been triggered by a specific immunization, then it probably should not be given again. If a patient is unsure about this, they should consult their physician.
• Information about the risks of immunizations to GBS and CIDP patients is very limited. Since vaccines are usually effective and safe a decision not to use them warrants careful consideration.
• Ultimately the decision about receiving an immunization is best determined by a discussion of the patient with the treating physician who can take into account each individual patient's medical history