Herpes Zoster after mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Series

Skinmed. 2022 Aug 31;20(4):284-288. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

We present seven immunocompetent patients devoid of any comorbidities and risk factors, who developed for the first time in their life varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation shortly after 1st (four patients) and 2nd dose (three patients) of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.All four patients who exhibited herpes zoster after the 1st dose of vaccine received the 2nd dose without any adverse reactions or complications. Oral treatment prescribed to all patients with valacyclovir (Valtrex 1 mg tds/day) for 5-7 days led to a complete resolution of symptoms, and rashes disappeared within 9-14 days. Presently, All patients have completed a 3-4½-month follow-up without any evidence of complications and/or recurrence of herpes zoster. (SKINmed. 2022;20:284-288).

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19*
  • Herpes Zoster*
  • Herpesvirus 3, Human / physiology
  • Humans
  • RNA, Messenger / therapeutic use
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • RNA, Messenger