Rare systemic dermatologic reaction after pneumococcal vaccine administration.

Author(s): Holdiness MR

Affiliation(s): Department of Internal Medicine, Lakeside Hospital, Metairie, LA 70001, USA. mholdi1540@compuserve.com

Publication date & source: 2003-01, South Med J., 96(1):64-5.

Publication type: Case Reports

This case report describes a rare dermatologic reaction in a patient after administration of pneumococcal vaccine. A 65-year-old man developed an extensive dermatitis with pruritus, urticaria, and petechiae 1 week after receiving an intramuscular injection o the vaccine. The reaction resolved with application of topical steroids and oral diphenhydramine hydrochloride. This case report and others in the literature suggest the importance of recognizing the possibility of cutaneous adverse reactions with vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, which in general have a good safety profile.