5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  A study found a small, short-term increase in shingles risk within 28 days post-mRNA COVID-19 booster, with no risk elevation after the primary series.

• 2

  The study analyzed data from over 2 million vaccinated individuals using a self-controlled cohort design to assess herpes zoster risk.

• 3

  Vaccination was associated with a statistically significant increase in herpes zoster risk, particularly after the third booster dose.

• 4

  The increased risk was confined to mRNA vaccines, with an adjusted incidence rate ratio of 1.21 for booster doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

• 5

  The authors noted the absolute risk increase was small and should be viewed alongside the substantial benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.