Clinical characteristics of monkeypox vaccine injection site reactions: A cohort of seven patients

Abstract

Background: Monkeypox (Mpox) infections are considered a public health emergency, prompting the need for the administration of a preventative vaccine to high-risk individuals. Objectives: To describe the clinical course of dermatologic reactions to Mpox vaccine over time. Methods: Seven recipients of the Mpox vaccine, administered via intradermal injection, were observed over time, and the dermatologic reactions to this vaccine were recorded. Results: All seven recipients experienced mild to moderate localized reactions to Mpox vaccine to either the primary or booster injections. These reactions were characterized by erythema, induration and pruritus. These reactions eventually healed without any sustained reactions, eschar or scarring. None of the recipients experienced systemic reactions or widespread cutaneous eruptions. Conclusions: Intradermal injections of Mpox vaccine result in mild to moderate injection site reactions, most likely representing a vigorous cell-mediated immune response. In all cases, the injection sites healed without complications.