[Literature review on the association between inactivated influenza vaccines and the Guillain-Barré syndrome]

Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi. 2010 Aug;57(8):605-11.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize data on associations between inactivated influenza vaccines and the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Methods: The association between inactivated influenza vaccines and the Guillain-Barré syndrome was described and discussed, mainly on the basis of previous studies cited in "Prevention and Control of Influenza: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices".

Results: The A/New Jersey/76 swine influenza vaccine has been reported to be associated with occurrence of the Guillain-Barré syndrome. However, it is unclear whether seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines are associated with the occurrence of the syndrome. According to a study from the United States, which reported a statistically significant association between seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines and Guillain-Barré syndrome, the best estimate of maximum attributable risk, after allowing for study limitations, is 1.6 cases per million vaccinations.

Discussion: We could not draw any definite conclusions about any causal relationship between seasonal influenza vaccination and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Therefore we considering the estimated benefits of seasonal influenza vaccination to outweigh the reported risk of subsequent development of the Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Influenza Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Vaccines, Inactivated / adverse effects

Substances

  • Influenza Vaccines
  • Vaccines, Inactivated