THE FLU VACCINE AND GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system—the network of nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord. GBS can range from a very mild case with brief weakness to nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe independently. Fortunately, most people eventually recover from even the most severe cases of GBS. After recovery, some people will continue to have some degree of weakness.
Can the Flu Vaccine Cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown; however, when it occurs, it is usually after a viral or bacterial infection. The flu is just one type of viral infection associated with the disorder. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), several studies indicate that there is also an increased risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the flu vaccine; however, “[s]tudies suggest that it is more likely that a person will get GBS after getting the flu than after vaccination.”
Is Help Available to Those Who Develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome After Receiving a Flu Vaccine?
Yes. Congress created the National Vaccine Injury Program to provide financial compensation to those injured by certain vaccines, including the flu vaccine. Additionally, the program typically pays attorneys’ fees. The one downside to the National Vaccine Injury Program is that if you are injured by a vaccine, you only have a short time frame in which to file your claim.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the flu vaccine, contact one of the vaccine injury attorneys at Burg Simpson’s Cincinnati office today. Our award-winning, compassionate attorneys would be happy to discuss your potential claim. Call 1-800-713-9340 or fill out our contact form for a FREE no-obligation consultation today.
