R.S.V. Vaccines May Slightly Increase Risk of Rare Neurological Condition

Vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus may have caused a few cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare neurological condition), according to federal health officials. The reported cases were small in number, with an estimated two cases per 100,000 vaccinated individuals or fewer. The FDA approved two R.S.V. vaccines in May 2023. The CDC recommended that adults aged 60 or older might choose to receive a single dose of an R.S.V. vaccine in consultation with their healthcare providers. Safety data presented at a recent scientific advisers’ meeting indicated a potential risk but emphasized the need for further analysis and caution in interpretation. Ongoing surveillance is expected to determine the extent of the risk.