The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is set to face another round of scrutiny as the United States Food and Drug Administration prepares to warn the company after the jab has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare yet serious side effect, according to reports from US media sources quoting those familiar with the situation.

Nearly 100 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where an individual’s immune system attacks the nerves, have been reported in the United States, according to reports from the Washington Post quoting the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

The country has, so far, administered about 12.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, which only requires a one-time jab.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to hold a meeting soon, where it will take up the risks related to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the Guillain-Barré reports discovered so far, according to statements from the federal body.

The CDC said that reports of Guillain-Barré are considerably rare “but do likely indicate a small possible risk of this side effect following”, according to reports from the Washington Post.

Even though there is not enough clarity on what causes the Guillain-Barré syndrome, it is known that about 3,000- 6,000 people report the disease every year in the United States.

About two-thirds of those who contract the Guillain-Barré syndrome can experience prolonged symptoms such as sinus or diarrhea.

While some individuals might recover fully from the disease, the possibility of permanent nerve damage always lingers. Moreover, those who are above the age of 50 are likely to be at a greater risk than the younger generations, Washington Post reported.

The upcoming meeting of the CDC will be the second blow to the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine after the administration of the jab was temporarily halted by United States authorities due to an in-depth review triggered after rare cases of blood clots in those who received the vaccine.