Health officials are investigating a second case of suspected adverse side effects from the swine flu shot after a 91-year-old man complained of weakness in his legs following his vaccination.
The first case involved a 58-year-old cardiologist who may have Guillain-Barre syndrome, which damages the nervous system and can cause muscle weakness or paralysis. But the Centre for Health Protection said yesterday a definitive diagnosis of the syndrome has not been established for the 91-year-old.
The elderly man had a seasonal flu vaccine on November 26 and a swine flu jab on January 4. He developed a cough on Friday, complained of weakness in his legs the next day and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on Tuesday, a centre spokesman said. His condition was stable, he said.
A nerve test completed yesterday showed a normal result. Further tests are pending to assess whether he has Guillain-Barre syndrome, he said
Last Wednesday, the centre said a private cardiologist who was vaccinated on December 24 felt pain in his legs four days later. He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam on January 2, suffering from weakness in his legs. A day later it said his symptoms matched those of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Since the first case was reported, there has been a drop-off in the number of people getting the swine flu jab.