Delayed Vasovagal Reaction with Reflex Syncope Following COVID-19 Vaccination

Intern Med. 2022 Jul 15;61(14):2167-2170. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9318-21. Epub 2022 May 14.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, and vaccines remain the only effective tools available for ending it. However, their side effects, such as syncope, which mimics sudden cardiac death, are serious concerns. We herein report 6 cases of delayed vasovagal syncope and presyncope (VVR) caused by COVID-19 vaccination among 25,530 COVID-19 patients. The prevalence of delayed VVR due to COVID-19 vaccination was 0.026%. In addition, no delayed VVR was found among 17,386 patients who received the influenza vaccine. Delayed VVR is likely to be overlooked if medical staff are not aware of this symptom. This report provides significant information regarding effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2 vaccine; anxiety autonomic reflex; side effect; vasovagal response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Syncope / chemically induced
  • Syncope, Vasovagal* / chemically induced
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines