Flu shot and GBS

[Gyurkiv]

I work as a travel nurse, doing flu shots and biometrics. Today I had a pt who said they have a history of GBS, but it's not in any way related to the flu shot. They claimed they get the flu shot every year. I went ahead and gave the shot. It was the Trivalent 0.5ml

was I wrong to do this?? The pt insisted that their hx of GBS has nothing to do with the shot and they always get the flu shot.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

You probably were not wrong,

but do you understand the physiology of the preservatives, neurotoxicity potential?

[Gyurkiv]

Yes, which is why it concerned me that someone with a history of it would insist on receiving the flu vaccine, she was adamant that her previous case had nothing to do with the flu shot, and that she has been receiving it every year.

[sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN]

Does not change the contents of the flu shot preservatives, regardless of GBS.hx, I understand your concern......

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/guillainbarre.htm

[MunoRN, RN]

A history of GBS by itself isn't a contraindication to vaccination, the general rule is that people who had GBS within 6 weeks of vaccine should avoid vaccines. If their GBS was unrelated to a vaccine there is no contraindication.

[Glycerine82, LPN]

Too tired to post correctly

[Glycerine82, LPN]

GBS can be brought on by actual virus or infections as well as from immunizations. I would think if it's been long enough and the patient has had vax prior to this one without incident you're covered. The flu can bring it on just as easily as the flu shot.

[Wuzzie]

The flu can bring it on just as easily as the flu shot.

Point of clarification. You are more likely to get it from the actual illness than you are from the vaccination.