Gastrointestinal Complications of COVID-19 Vaccines
Kunal Ajmera1, Rashika Bansal2, Heather Wilkinson3
1Hospital Medicine, Calvert Health Medical Center, Prince Frederick, USA.
Abstract:
Much of the control over the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been achieved by mass vaccination against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiologic agent that causes COVID-19. The COVID-19 mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines are relatively newly approved and have been widely used in the US since they first became available. However, with passing time, data regarding adverse events associated with the mRNA vaccines have become clearer. Vaccines are safe in general, and the benefits outweigh the risks of adverse events. In this case report, we present the first documented case report of post-vaccination acute diverticulitis and colon micro-perforation following Moderna booster dose (Moderna Inc, Cambridge, USA) in a young adult. Vaccine recipients should be educated on vaccine-associated gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. We also recommend that vaccine recipients with pre-existing GI disorders should be carefully monitored for the worsening of pre-existing conditions post-COVID-19 vaccination.
Insights
The first documented case of acute diverticulitis and colon micro-perforation occurred after a Moderna COVID-19 booster. Patients should be informed about potential gastrointestinal adverse events following vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Mass vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been key in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
- mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, while generally safe and effective, have potential adverse events that require ongoing monitoring.
- Understanding vaccine-associated adverse events is crucial for public health and patient safety.
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