The head of the country’s vaccine expert panel (VEP) said Wednesday, July 14, that other vaccines such as flu, meningococcal, and tetanus have already been associated with rare neurological condition Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which was recorded among the recipients of the Janssen coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine.

VEP head Dr. Nina Gloriani said the GBS has been recorded as rare adverse event following immunization even before the United States Food and Drug Administration added GBS on the list of potential side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson

“Yes, other vaccines like flu vaccines, meningococcal vaccines and tetanus vaccines have been associated with the rare GBS post vaccination,” she told the Manila Bulletin in a Viber message when asked if the GBS has been recorded as rare side effect of vaccination.

She noted that the US FDA has yet to establish if the vaccine could cause such neurological complication. The GBS, a rare never condition, can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.

“Having the information in the product insert is just being diligent about the possibility, similar to the precautions added to the issues on severe allergic responses or anaphylaxis, blood clots and myocarditis for AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Moderna,” Gloriani said.

When asked if the recorded incidence of GBS in the United States will be part of their discussion when health experts meet tomorrow, July 15.

“We are not discussing this tomorrow, as even US FDA data are still lacking on the reports,” Gloriani said

She said the National Adverse Events Following Immunization Committee (NAEFIC) “will be the best body to look into this.”

Reports said 100 recipients of Johnson & Johnson vaccine have so far experienced the syndrome following immunization.