Organizing Pneumonia Following Recombinant Zoster Vaccination: A Rare Adverse Reaction

Abstract

We describe a case of a severe but rare adverse reaction to recombinant varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination: a 67-year-old female admitted with gradual onset of shortness of breath, hypoxia, and fever following VZV vaccination. The clinical picture and radiologic presentation mimicked COVID-19 pneumonia. However, repeated testing for COVID-19 by PCR was negative. A diagnosis of organizing pneumonia was made on transbronchial biopsies. The patient responded well to steroids and improved both clinically and radiographically. This case illustrates not only a rare and unreported complication from vaccination but also raises the awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic that other etiologies can mimic COVID-19 pneumonia. Physicians should be aware of other diagnoses that can mimic COVID-19 infection.

Keywords: adverse effects; organizing pneumonia; shingles; vaccination; vaccine; zoster.