- In its first year on the market, the new meningococcal
conjugate vaccine (MCV4) was potentially associated with an increased risk
of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological disorder that causes
increasing weakness in the limbs. The meningococcal vaccine (Menactra)
was recommended by the ACIP in May 2005 for routine vaccination of adolescents,
college freshmen who live in dormitories, and other high-risk individuals.9
-
- By September 2006, 17 confirmed cases of GBS in recipients
of MCV4 had been reported to VAERS (all affected individuals had recovered
or were recovering).10 Although this association does not necessarily mean
the vaccine caused the illness, the CDC has reported that the timing of
the onset of GBS symptoms-within one to five weeks of vaccination-is of
concern. As of October 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and
CDC were monitoring the situation, and the CDC continued to recommend the
vaccine for adolescents and others.11
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