These data are subject to many limitations and should be considered preliminary. But they do suggest that “the period of risk of vaccine-attributable GBS is small and short [compared with] the prolonged benefit of meningococcal disease prevention,” Dr. Cho said.
Dr. Michael D. Decker, vice president of Scientific Affairs at Sanofi-Pasteur, said his company is supporting a study to further investigate the issue over a 2-year period in the 11- to 17-year-old population in an HMO database of over 100 million covered lives. “We believe there is enough power to clarify the association,” he said in an interview.
The CDC also is continuing to evaluate the issue.
Clinicians are requested to report adverse events related to the MCV4 vaccine by going to www.vaers.hhs.gov
A Vaccine Information Statement and fact sheet with information on the vaccine and reported GBS cases are available at www.cdc.gov/nip/publications/vis/default.htmwww.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/gbs/menactra.htm
Christine Kilgore contributed to this report.