Post COVID-19 Immunization Herpes Zoster Reactivation In Asia : A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 vaccine that targets viral mRNA has been created and can be used as an effort to end the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the world since 2020. The COVID-19 vaccine currently being developed has proven its effectiveness and safety in the general adult population.Objective: To identify reactivation of Herpes Zoster virus post COVID-19 vaccine.Methods: This article review discusses four case reports of Herpes Zoster following the COVID-19 immunization in Asia which were obtained from various sources such as Pubmed Medline Embase.Results: The mRNA-type vaccine is associated with skin manifestations with an increased incidence (14.4%) of Herpes Zoster which was observed around 6-8 days after administration of the first dose of vaccine (BNT162b2 vaccine) and 1.5% after administration of the mRNA- 1273 which occurred in the Asian Oceanian race. COVID-19 vaccine substances such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), the polysorbate present in mRNA vaccines, and polysorbate 80 are suspected causing an allergic reactions.Conclusion: Health workers must be careful in administering the COVID-19 vaccine, especially to individuals who have risk factors that can decrease their immune system so it can cause reactivation of Herpes Zoster.