Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions (CADRs) to COVID19 Vaccines: A Case Series

Abstract

Viral vector vaccines (Covishield) and inactivated vaccines (Covaxin) are now being administered worldwide to reduce the impact of life-threatening corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19). Various cutaneous adverse drug reactions (CADRs) have been reported following COVID-19 vaccination. Here, we are reporting series of CADRs following COVID-19 vaccination. Among 18 CADRs, 4 each were of acute urticaria and pityriasis rosea, 2 each of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and herpes zoster, 3 exacerbation of psoriasis, and 1 each of exacerbation of eczema, reactivation of herpes simplex virus 1 infection, and COVID arm. However, in 1 case there was remission of psoriasis. These CADRs occurred between 6 hours and 20 days after vaccination and were mild to moderate in severity. Only 1 needed hospitalization. Of the 18 CADRs, 10 developed after first dose and 8 after second dose. Causality assessment was done using World Health Organization causality assessment classification. Mass COVID-19 vaccination program is in progress worldwide. Many CADRs like COVID arm, urticaria, pityriasis rosea, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, herpes zoster etc., have been reported following vaccination. In our series only 1 developed cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) to Covaxin. It was Covishield that was administered during the vaccination drive; hence, more cases were seen to that vaccine. Most of the CADRs were mild to moderate in intensity. Awareness of these adverse effects enables the healthcare professionals to be better equipped to recognize and manage them correctly.

Keywords: CADR; covaxin; covishield.