Cutaneous Adverse Reactions to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of cutaneous adverse reactions (CARs) to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been reported, but their incidence is debated. Objective: To estimate the pooled incidence of CARs to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the general adult population. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of original articles published on MEDLINE via PubMed and Web Of Science from 1 January 2020 to 18 July 2022 was undertaken. Studies reporting the incidence proportion of CARs (defined as number of new cases of CARs on the total of vaccinated people) were included. All types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were included. People receiving at least one dose were considered eligible. Local cutaneous reactions were excluded. Results: A total of 970 records were identified and screened by title and abstract; 22 observational studies were included with aggregate data on 93,165 participants. The pooled incidence of overall CARs was 5% (95%CI 4–6%; I2 = 99%; p 2 = 96%; p 2 = 97%; p Conclusions: CARs associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are frequent but mild and self-remitting, whereas severe CARs are rare.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2
• COVID-19
• vaccines
• cutaneous adverse reaction
• systematic review
• meta-analysis