What vaccine safety concern did the IOM committee examine?
For this review, the committee addressed the suggestion that hepatitis B vaccine can cause certain neurological disorders, called demyelinating disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that involves the destruction of the myelin sheath that surrounds neurons, resulting in the formation of “plaques.” Because they involve the destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve tissue, diseases such as MS are known as “demyelinating” diseases. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) also results from a loss of myelin. The disorder causes temporary loss of body movement and sensation, usually starting at in the lower parts of the body and moving upwards. Most people who experience GBS recover within 6 to 9 months. Certain vaccines, such as influenza (flu) vaccine, have been linked to an increased risk for GBS. Other demyelinating neurological disorders considered in the committees review include optic neuri
