Local teenager diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome questions COVID-19 vaccine after receiving first dose

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Wyatt McGlaun, a teenager at The Woodlands, said he contracted Guillan-Barre syndrome a few weeks after his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I wanted to get the vaccine. I thought it was the right thing to do, ”said McGlaun. “I wanted to travel and enjoy my last summer before college.”

However, he said he became extremely weak and had difficulty walking when he was admitted to CHI St. Luke’s in The Woodlands, where he was diagnosed.

“I just knew that something didn’t feel right. It wasn’t getting any better, ”Wyatt explained.

The NIH reports a case of GBS in an 82-year-old woman, who also received a dose of the vaccine.

Dr. Charles Sims, Montgomery County Health Authority and an infectious physician at St. Luke’s in The Woodlands, said it is most often caused by a viral or bacterial infection and he cannot say that the vaccine caused Wyatt’s condition.

“There have been cases seen in people who have received the vaccine, but they are not at higher rates than people who have not received the vaccine. Guillan Barre is seen in one or two people per million per year, ”said Dr. Sims.

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Therefore, Dr. Sims said that the condition may be a coincidence.

While Wyatt’s parents said they are not trying to stop anyone from getting the vaccine, they want others to recognize it if it happens to them.

“Do your research,” said Joe McGlaun. “It is a personal choice.”

“Listening to your body is the greatest thing I have learned,” said Wyatt.

Dr. Sims said that if adverse reactions are reported to the CDC, they will be investigated. Wyatt’s family said they plan to report him.