The Pfizer-BNT162b2 mRNA-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 may be responsible for awakening the latency of herpes varicella-zoster virus

Abstract

Background To prevent the invasion and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, mRNA-based vaccines, non-replicating viral vector vaccines, and inactivated vaccines have been developed. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized the use of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in January 2021, the date on which the vaccination program began in Spain and across Europe. The aim of this study is to monitor the safety of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and report any cases of undesirable effects that have occurred, that are not included in the health profile of mRNA-based vaccines for commercialisation in humans. Furthermore, a brief review is given of the mechanism of action of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine on the host's immune system in triggering the reactivation of the herpes varicella-zoster infection.

Methods Follow-up of patients under the care of the southern health district of Seville of the SAS (Andalusian Health Service) during the Spanish state of alarm over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results Two patients, a 79-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman, are reported who, after 4 and 16 days respectively of receiving the Pfizer-BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, presented a state of reactivation of herpes varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Discussion The immunosenescence of the reported patients, together with the immunomodulation generated by administering the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, that depress certain cell subpopulations, could explain the awakening of VZV latency.