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Herpes zoster after COVID-19 vaccination: A case series

Christine E. de Guia, MD, Ivy S. Cagulada, MD, Jonella Jean F. Nicolas, MD, Cecilia R. Rosete, MD, FPDS, Czarina P. Chavez, DipClinRes, MD, FPDS

Abstract

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a global health crisis, necessitating the development of vaccines. An emerging cutaneous reaction is herpes zoster.

Case Series

We present 7 cases of Filipino patients who developed herpes zoster after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Four patients received Sinovac Biotech Ltd (CoronaVac), 2 patients received Oxford AstraZeneca, and 1 patient received Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY). Five patients developed herpes zoster after their first dose of the vaccine, while 2 patients developed herpes zoster after their second dose. All patients were prescribed anti-viral medication, after which resolution of the lesions was observed.

Conclusion

As more vaccines are administered, further surveillance is necessary to expand our understanding of a possible association between herpes zoster and COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, awareness of cutaneous reactions following COVID-19 vaccines and their disease course can contribute to shifting the attitude towards pro-vaccination.

References

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Herpes zoster after COVID-19 vaccination: A case series

Christine E. de Guia, MD, Ivy S. Cagulada, MD, Jonella Jean F. Nicolas, MD, Cecilia R. Rosete, MD, FPDS, Czarina P. Chavez, DipClinRes, MD, FPDS

Abstract

References

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Herpes zoster after COVID-19 vaccination: A case series