From the Guidelines
For leg and face swelling after receiving the shingles and pneumovax vaccines, immediate medical attention is required if the swelling is severe, spreads beyond the injection site, persists beyond 3-4 days, or is accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or hives, as this could indicate a more serious allergic reaction. In general, treatment for mild swelling after vaccination typically includes rest, elevation of the affected limb, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 650mg every 6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 400-600mg every 6-8 hours to reduce pain and inflammation 1. Some key points to consider in managing post-vaccine swelling include:
- Applying a cool compress to the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes several times daily
- Keeping the affected leg elevated above heart level when possible
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Monitoring for signs of a more serious reaction, such as difficulty breathing, or severe swelling that requires immediate medical evaluation 1. It's also important to note that while most post-vaccine swelling is temporary and resolves within 1-3 days, some individuals may experience more severe reactions, and healthcare providers should be prepared to recognize and manage these reactions promptly 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Leg and Face Swelling after Receiving Shingles and Pneumovax Vaccines
- The available studies do not directly address the treatment options for leg and face swelling after receiving the shingles and pneumovax vaccines 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, the studies provide information on the safety and immunogenicity of concomitant administration of zoster and pneumococcal vaccines, which may be relevant to understanding the potential causes of leg and face swelling after vaccination.
- A study published in 2022 found that co-administration of the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine and the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was well-tolerated and did not affect the immune response to either vaccine 5.
- Another study published in 2013 found that concomitant administration of zoster vaccine and polysaccharide pneumococcal-23 vaccine provided adequate herpes zoster coverage, but the study did not report on leg and face swelling as a side effect 4.
- A study published in 2010 found that concomitant administration of zoster vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine was generally well-tolerated, but reported a higher incidence of clinical adverse events in the nonconcomitant group 3.
- A case report published in 2020 described a patient who developed a blistering autoimmune skin reaction after receiving the SHINGRIX vaccine, but this study did not report on leg and face swelling as a side effect 2.
Potential Causes of Leg and Face Swelling
- The exact cause of leg and face swelling after receiving the shingles and pneumovax vaccines is not clear from the available studies.
- However, the studies suggest that concomitant administration of zoster and pneumococcal vaccines is generally well-tolerated and does not affect the immune response to either vaccine 3, 4, 5.
- It is possible that leg and face swelling may be a rare side effect of vaccination, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Next Steps
- Patients who experience leg and face swelling after receiving the shingles and pneumovax vaccines should consult their healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
- Healthcare providers may need to consider alternative vaccination schedules or monitor patients closely for potential side effects 3, 4, 5.