Queensland woman develops rare disease after AstraZeneca jab

But experts say the syndrome can develop in “anyone” following “any kind” of immunological event, whether that’s an infection or vaccine, and that the benefit of the jab outweighs any risk.

Amanda Thomson was a “fit, healthy, active woman” who, within a matter of days, was left unable to walk, lost all muscle strength, and developed excruciating pain in her hands and feet, and a creeping paralysis.

The 54-year-old was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare condition where one’s immune system begins to attack the body.

While the disorder often resolves within a few months, severe cases can last up to two years.

The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) confirmed to NCA NewsWire they were aware of at least eight cases of GBS that had developed in people who had recently been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca immunisation, but to date a confirmed link has not been established.

While Australians have been made aware of the small risk of blood clots in some people who receive the vaccine, Ms Thomson and her husband Grant say they are “genuinely worried” there is no warning about GBS.

“(If we had known about the risk of GBS) then Amanda and I could have made a rational, informed choice to get her to a hospital (earlier), which would have meant treatment could have started three to four days earlier,” Mr Thomson said.

“The potential damage to the nervous system might have been greatly reduced.”

The TGA has GBS listed as an “adverse event of special interest”, meaning they are seeking more information on the potential risk in relation to the vaccine.

According to the TGA, the exact cause of GBS is unknown, but two-thirds of people who develop the syndrome become symptomatic days or weeks after they have been sick with a viral or respiratory illness.

“People can also develop GBS after having influenza or other infections,” a TGA spokeswoman told NCA NewsWire.

“Globally, over 30 million people have been vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine and to date other international medicine regulators have also not established an association between GBS and the AstraZeneca vaccine.”

Infectious diseases physician Dr Paul Griffin said it was “hard to be certain” whether there was a causal link between the vaccine and the syndrome.

“GBS is recognised as a complication of vaccines in general. It’s not linked to any in particular. Some people just have this immune response,” he said.

“It remains incredibly rare. While we always want to make sure people are aware of potential adverse events, it’s not one that we have reason to suspect has a higher rate than other vaccines.”

The Thomsons went to their local GP clinic on June 2 for their vaccine.

“There were absolutely no problems for me, but Ms Thomson had fever and chills for a couple of days, but these were generally acceptable and potentially anticipated side effects,” Mr Thomson told NCA NewsWire.

“After that she seemed fine for a couple of days, but on Monday (June 7) she noticed her hands and feet were freezing cold.

“The pain started on Tuesday and she lost some tactile sensations in her extremities. By Wednesday she was at the doctor’s for a full blood test.

“Numbness, reduced muscle strength, loss of co-ordination and the beginning of paralysis were evident by Thursday when we went back to the GP.”

Ms Thomson was given steroid medication and was told to present to hospital if she didn’t improve.

Early last Friday she went to the emergency department and was diagnosed with GBS within an hour. She then started a five day course of antibody infusions.

Mr Thomson said while he and his wife would still get the vaccine if they had known this would be the outcome, they believe the government should have been more upfront in educating the public and GPs about the possible risks.

Dr Griffin said it was important to note no vaccine was completely free of side effects.

“We closely monitor the adverse reactions … And if, at any time, it’s perceived that the benefits no longer outweigh the risk, we wouldn’t continue using those vaccines,” he said.

“These adverse events remain very rare, and the benefits do far outweigh the risks.”