Local teen diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome asks questions about COVID-19 vaccine after receiving first dose

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Wyatt McGlaun, a teenager in The Woodlands, said he developed Guillan-Barre syndrome a few weeks after his first dose of 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 I went to 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 something didn’t feel right. It didn’t get any better, ”Wyatt explained.

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

Dr. Charles Sims, Montgomery County Health Authority and St. Luke’s infectious disease physician in The Woodlands, said it is more commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection and cannot say the vaccine caused Wyatt’s disease.

“Cases have been seen in people who have received the vaccine, but they are no higher than in people who have not received the vaccine. Guillan Barre is seen in 1-2 people per million per year, ”said Dr. Sims.

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That’s why Dr. Sims said the condition could be a coincidence.

While Wyatt’s parents said they don’t try to deter anyone from the vaccine, but they do want others to acknowledge if this happens to them.

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

“Listen to your body is the most important thing I’ve learned,” said Wyatt.

Dr. Sims said if any side effects are reported to the CDC, they will be investigated. Wyatt’s family said they intended to report it.