Researchers are investigating herpes zoster as a possible side effect of the vaccine

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A recent study published April 12 showed that a possible side effect of the coronavirus vaccines could be related to herpes zoster.

The study conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Carmel Medical Center in Haifa, Israel found that patients diagnosed with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic disease (AIRD) were more likely to contract herpes zoster, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is a red, itchy and painful rash that can cause nerve damage and additional pain if left untreated, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The hospital’s Rheumatology study was conducted on 491 patients with AIRD and 99 patients who were controls. Of the 491 people, six people, or about 1.2%, ended up with herpes zoster, while none of the controls eventually developed herpes zoster, the study said.

Although herpes zoster usually affects people 50 years of age and older, the six patients were young and had mild cases of herpes zoster.

“We cannot say at this point that the vaccine is the cause,” explains Dr. Victoria Furer, principal investigator in the Rheumatology Department. “We can say it can be a trigger in some patients.” (RELATED: Coronavirus Cases Are on the Rise in Chile, Though It Has One of the Highest Vaccination Rates in the World)

“It seems the reason is because there is a link,” Furer said, noting that she has received reports from several people sharing their own experiences of contracting herpes zoster after the vaccine.

“We shouldn’t scare people,” she added. “The general message is to get vaccinated. It’s just important to be aware. “

This comes after the Biden administration announced that distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine would be suspended after six of the seven million Americans who received the vaccine developed blood clots.

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