Johnson & Johnson Vaccine: FDA adds Guillain-Barre Syndrome warning to J&J Covid-19 shot

The FDA is adding a new warning to Johnson & Johnson's one dose covid vaccine, after about 100 people who got the shot developed a rare but serious autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves, it is called Gullain-Barre Syndrome.

Gullain-Barre Syndrome is a neurological condition, a rare condition in which the body's immune system essentially attacks nerve cells.

The disorder can start with a tingling sensation in the arms and legs and in some cases lead to paralysis. 

But a J&J spokesperson seemed to downplay the risks saying,

"We have been in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Admin. and other regulators about rare cases of the neurological disorder...the chance of having this occur is very low."

The cases have been seen in men 50 and over about two weeks after receiving the shot. So far there have been nearly 13 million J&J doses administered nationwide. 

Scientists say there are only a few cases connected to the vaccine and that the J&J shot is safe and effective.  The health officials say the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the small risks.

No such risk has been found with Pfizer and Moderna vaccines which were made with different technology.

CDC on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• 100 reports out of 12.8 million doses
• Largely 2 weeks after vaccination, mostly in males, and many 50+
• No similar pattern with Pfizer, Moderna vaccines

What is Gullain-Barre?

• Neurological disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis
• Typically triggered by infection
• Most people fully recover