From The Telegraph:
American officials rushed out a vaccine in 1976 following an outbreak of swine flu in military barracks. Around 40 million people received the vaccine but doctors reported an increase Guillain-Barre and 25 people had died before the immunisation programme was stopped…
“Guillain-Barre syndrome has long been identified as a potential adverse event that would require enhanced surveillance following the introduction of a pandemic vaccine but there is no evidence to suggest there is an increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome from this vaccine.”
He said there was also no increased risk of the syndrome associated with the seasonal flu vaccine.
“Establishing enhanced surveillance on Guillain-Barre syndrome has always been part of our pandemic plan because there is an increased risk of this disease after a flu-like illness…
However critics have said the fact doctors are being told to report cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome is evidence that the authorities are concerned.
Jackie Fletcher of the campaign group, Jabs, added: “What we’ve got is a massive guinea-pig trial.”
Guillain-Barre Syndrome attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis and death. More information can be found here.