Doctors have been warned to look out for the rare disease Guillain-Barre syndrome in patients as the swine flu vaccination program gets up and running. Neurologists are afraid that incidents of the illness will increase during the pandemic and as people are vaccinated.

Little is known about the syndrome but it is believed to be caused by an auto-immune reaction. It can cause temporary paralysis and affects the nervous system. Doctors have already pointed out that a US vaccination program in the 1970s lead to a big rise in the number of cases.

From October, over 13 million people are set to be given the vaccine against swine flu, including those with asthma, renal failure or other underlying health problems.

A Health Protection Agency spokesperson said that as the vaccine was given out, there would be enhanced surveillance for Guillain Barre, but added that this was normal procedure whenever a new vaccine was introduced.

The head of immunisation at the Health Protection Agency, Elizabeth Miller, also wrote a letter to the Association of British Neurologists saying that GBS had been identified as condition that doctors would need to keep an eye out for when the vaccine was rolled out.