DOH: Risk of rare nerve complication with J&J vaccine remains very low

By CNN Philippines Staff Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 13) — The Department of Health on Tuesday stressed that the risk of developing a rare neurological disorder after receiving Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine “remains very low.” In a statement, Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said current data still show that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the possibility of experiencing adverse reactions, such as the “very rare” Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). She made the comment after the United States Food and Drug Administration warned Janssen vaccine recipients of an increased risk of GBS during the 42 days following inoculation. It described the syndrome as a disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing weakness and sometimes paralysis. Symptoms include weakness or tingling in the arms and legs; difficulty walking, speaking, chewing or swallowing; double vision; and bowel or bladder control problems. “We call on all patients to report to their local vaccine operations center for any cases of GBS or immediately contact a healthcare provider if they feel any symptoms,” Vergeire said. She added the medical community should immediately report such suspected reactions to epidemiology and surveillance units for proper investigation and assessment. The country is set to receive next week 3.2 million Janssen doses donated by the US government. This is the first batch of single-shot vaccines to be delivered to the Philippines. A health official said senior citizens and adults with comorbidities will be prioritized.