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Covid-19 vaccination and possible link to Herpes zoster

D R Lazzaro1, R Ramachandran1, E Cohen1

  • 1NYU Langone Medical Center: NYU Langone Health, United States.

American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports
|January 31, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Herpes zoster reactivation occurred in three healthy patients within two weeks of receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Further investigation is needed to determine if herpes zoster is a side effect of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • The novel COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) prompted rapid development of mRNA vaccines.
  • Herpes zoster, a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can reactivate under certain conditions.

Observation:

  • Three otherwise healthy patients developed herpes zoster reactivation shortly after receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Presentations included herpes zoster meningitis, herpes zoster ophthalmicus involving the cornea, and herpes zoster affecting the eyelid.

Findings:

  • All three cases presented within two weeks of vaccination.
  • The neurological and ophthalmological manifestations suggest a potential link between mRNA vaccination and herpes zoster reactivation.

Implications:

  • Herpes zoster reactivation may be an infrequent side effect of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
  • Clinicians should consider herpes zoster in patients presenting with suggestive symptoms post-vaccination.
  • Further research is warranted to establish causality and understand the mechanisms involved.
Keywords:
Adverse reactionsCOVID-19 mRNA vaccineHerpes zosterVaccination

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