BioNTech COVID-19 (BNT162b2) Vaccination and Varicella Zoster Reactivation: A Comprehensive Cross-sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by varicella-zoster virus reactivation.
• Recent observations suggest a potential link between COVID-19 vaccination and HZ.
• Investigating this association is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between COVID-19 vaccination and HZ severity.
• To compare hospitalization rates and complications in vaccinated versus unvaccinated HZ patients.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, cross-sectional study analyzed HZ patients from 2017-2021.
• A retrospective cohort compared vaccinated and unvaccinated HZ patients post-Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
• Controls included cellulitis and bone fracture diagnoses.

Main Results:

• Initial multivariate analysis suggested higher admission rates in vaccinated individuals (OR 2.75, p=0.01).
• Confounder control through matching and stratification invalidated these initial findings.
• No significant differences were found in hospital stay length or complications.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 vaccination was not associated with an increased risk of HZ-related hospital admission.
• No increased risk of HZ complications was observed in vaccinated individuals.
• The study provides evidence against a link between COVID-19 vaccination and HZ severity.