Can a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine cause a rash weeks after administration?

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Last updated: November 12, 2025View editorial policy

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RSV Vaccine and Delayed Rash

The provided evidence does not contain any information about RSV vaccines causing rashes weeks after administration, as all the guideline and research evidence pertains to varicella (chickenpox) vaccines, zoster (shingles) vaccines, and historical RSV vaccine trials from the 1970s-1990s that predate currently approved RSV vaccines.

What We Know About Vaccine-Related Rashes Generally

Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines can occur days to weeks after administration and are not uncommon. 1

Timing and Characteristics of Delayed Vaccine Rashes

  • Delayed hypersensitivity reactions typically manifest within a few days but can be delayed by weeks after vaccination 1
  • These reactions vary from local persistent pruritic nodules to systemic rashes 1
  • Most delayed cutaneous reactions are not contraindications to further vaccine administration 1

Common Causative Agents in Delayed Vaccine Reactions

  • Multiple vaccine excipients have been implicated, including thimerosal, formaldehyde, aluminum, antibiotics, and gelatin 1
  • Patch testing can identify causative agents to guide future vaccination decisions in severe cases 1

Management Approach

  • Treatment with antihistamines, topical corticosteroids, or systemic corticosteroids alleviates symptoms in most patients 1
  • For more severe reactions, patch testing for causative agents can aid in diagnosis and approach to further vaccination 1

Critical Gap in Evidence

The evidence provided does not address currently approved RSV vaccines (such as Arexvy, Abrysvo, or mResvia for older adults, or nirsevimab for infants). The RSV vaccine research included is from 1974 and 1998, predating modern RSV immunization products. 2, 3, 4

To properly answer whether RSV vaccines cause rashes weeks later, you would need to consult the FDA-approved prescribing information for the specific RSV vaccine in question and current post-marketing surveillance data.

References

Research

Delayed allergic skin reactions to vaccines.

Allergy and asthma proceedings, 2022

Research

Respiratory syncytial virus vaccines.

Clinical microbiology reviews, 1998

Research

Landscape of respiratory syncytial virus.

Chinese medical journal, 2024

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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