Bullous pemphigoid after herpes zoster vaccine administration: association or coincidence?

Abstract

The development of autoimmune disorders and an increase in autoimmune phenomena have been reported following vaccinations in a number of cases. Blistering skin disorders such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) have also developed following various vaccinations.1,2 Here we describe a case of BP that developed in a 72-year-old male after receiving the zoster vaccine. We believe the association between zoster immunization and the acute onset of BP in our patient may not be coincidental. We further discuss proposed mechanisms leading to autoimmunity post vaccination.