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Systemic inflammatory reaction after pneumococcal vaccine: a case series
Kelley A von Elten1, Laurie L Duran2, Taylor A Banks1
1Division of Allergy/Immunology/Immunizations; Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; Bethesda, MD USA.
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics
|March 20, 2014
Summary
A robust inflammatory response to the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PS23) can cause fever and local reactions in adults. Recognizing this noninfectious side effect can prevent unnecessary antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Atypical inflammatory reactions to the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PS23) are rarely reported in adults.
- These reactions, including fever, leukocytosis, and local swelling, can mimic infections, complicating clinical management.
Observation:
- A case series of 5 adult patients presented with cellulitis-like reactions, fever, and leukocytosis post-influenza and PS23 vaccination.
- Four patients received both vaccines in the same arm; the fifth patient, vaccinated in opposite arms, showed reactions in the PS23-vaccinated arm.
Findings:
- The observed symptoms were consistent with a robust, noninfectious inflammatory response to the PS23 vaccine.
- Antibiotic treatment did not resolve the local or systemic symptoms in the affected patients.
Implications:
- Recognizing these PS23 vaccine side effects as a noninfectious inflammatory response is crucial for appropriate patient management.
- Early identification can help avoid unnecessary antibiotic therapy and hospitalization for patients experiencing these reactions.
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