Prolonged Neurological and Musculoskeletal Symptoms Following Shingrix Vaccination

TL;DR

A 50-year-old woman experienced long-lasting joint and neurological symptoms after receiving the Shingrix vaccine, highlighting the need for better monitoring of rare long-term side effects.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of prolonged adverse effects following Shingrix vaccination, emphasizing the importance of pharmacovigilance.

Findings

A 50-year-old woman developed persistent joint and neurological symptoms after the first Shingrix dose.

Symptoms lasted over a year despite treatment and diagnostic tests showing no clear cause.

The case underscores the need for improved monitoring of long-term vaccine safety.

Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) helps prevent shingles and its complications in adults 50 and older. While minor side effects are common, severe adverse reactions are thought to be rare, and long-term side effects are not well documented. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease developed joint pain, effusion, and neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling shortly after receiving the first dose of the recombinant zoster vaccine. Symptoms waxed and waned but persisted for over a year despite anti-inflammatories and specialist referrals. Diagnostic imaging and labs were unrevealing. Conclusions: This case of prolonged somatic and neurological symptoms associated temporally with Recombinant zoster vaccine administration reinforces the critical need for thorough pharmacovigilance and investigation of possible long-term adverse vaccine reactions. Provider documentation and reporting of individual experiences can help improve the detection of rare vaccine-related risks, elucidate potential risk factors, and refine safety screening. Diligent monitoring and research into longitudinal vaccine outcomes remain paramount, especially following recent emergency authorizations.

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