Moderna COVID Vaccine Is Causing Skin Rashes In Few Cases, But Don't Worry

The COVID-19 vaccine developed by Moderna is helping several around the world stay protected against the novel coronavirus. However, for some, it is causing patches of inflamed skin and rashes around the injection site, which has stayed there for up to 11 days even after vaccination.

NEJM

This was highlighted by a group of 11 doctors who have written to the prestigious New England Journal Of Medicine, detailed observations on 12 patients who experienced the aforementioned rash.

The letter highlighted that all the 12 cases have been treated and resolved which took an average of six days to be completely fine. Moreover, 12 of the patients who suffered the rash were also encouraged to take the next dose of the vaccine, which they did.

Three patients from the 12 experienced similar rashes after the second dose of the Moderna vaccine whereas three experienced a less-severe reaction. The remaining half didn¡¯t report any reaction whatsoever.

Experts are of the opinion that the skin rashes are actually a delayed allergic immune response that is seen rather commonly in drug reactions. Dr Esther Freeman, director of Global Health Dermatology at MGH and co-author of the NEJM letter, explained, ¡°For most people who are experiencing this, we believe it's tied to the body's immune system going to work. Overall, this data is reassuring and should not discourage people from getting the vaccine.¡±

The experts also highlight that it shouldn't be confused with any kind of skin infection and since they¡¯re not infectious, they shouldn't be treated with antibiotics.

Reuters

Dr Kimberly Blumenthal, the lead author of the letter from Massachusetts General Hospital, explains, 'Whether you've experienced a rash at the injection site right away or this delayed skin reaction, neither condition should prevent you from getting the second dose of the vaccine.

She added, ¡°Our immediate goal is to make physicians and other care providers aware of this possible delayed reaction, so they are not alarmed, but instead well-informed and equipped to advise their patients accordingly.¡±