Menactra meningococcal vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome
Over 5.4 million doses of tetravalent conjugated meningococcal vaccine were distributed in the United States since its introduction in 2005 through September 2006. During this time 17 cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) were reported among vaccinated persons. Analysis of these data suggests that there may be a small increased risk of GBS associated with vaccination (1.25 cases per million doses distributed [95%CI 0.058-5.993]), although there is substantial uncertaintly regarding this risk estimate (MMWR 55(41),2006 link see below). US authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have not recommended changes to vaccination policy. Additional studies are being planned to provide a more definitive assessment. Based on these reports, the GACVS concluded that there should be no change in vaccination policies at the present time.
