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      • patrick-tam

        Keymaster

      • #3872

        Hi,
        Thank you Dr Parry for your last reply to my Covid AntiViral medication question.
        I am now 13 months recovered from my GBS illness and I would like your view on whether it is now safe for me to take the latest Covid Vaccine. The doctors at Middlemore hospital and my GP advised against me taking the Covid vaccine and Flu vaccine after my discharge from Middlemore. I’ve had the fourth Covid vaccine prior to me getting GBS. I was 4 weeks in ICU connected to machines and had to undergo 4.5 weeks of rehab before being discharged. I was supported by the Stroke Foundation Rehab team for another 8 weeks at home. What are the chances of me getting GBS again after having had a very good recovery? Is there any immunity tests that I need to under go?
        Thanking you in advance and appreciate your advice.
        Patrick Tam.


      • Gareth Parry

        Keymaster

      • #3873

        I apologise for my tardy response; your message went to my SPAM box. The GBS/CIDP Foundation International states that most vaccinations, including COVID and influenza, are safe in individuals who have had GBS with the following exceptions:
        1. In the first 12 months following GBS no matter what the triggering event was.
        2. If the original GBS attack occurred within 6 weeks of receiving any vaccine, that particular vaccine should be avoided. Thus, if your original GBS occurred within 6 weeks of receiving a COVID vaccination your should avoid that particular vaccine in the future. I am not certain from reading your message exactly when your GBS occurred in relation to the 4th COVID vaccine but if it was more than 6 weeks it is extremely unlikely that the vaccine was the trigger.
        I cannot give advice regarding the treatment of individual patients but in general, the benefit of vaccines far outweights any risk. It is essential that you discuss these issues with your doctor before making a decision.

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