A Brief Insight into a Common Short Term Sequel of Covid-19 Vaccination against the SARS-Cov-2 Virus: A Case History and Report of Shoulder Pain Syndrome

A. S. Edunjobi; H. E. Norton; B. O. Aina; A. N. Oluwasanya; A. M. Babs-Edunjobi

A. S. Edunjobi
H. E. Norton
B. O. Aina
A. N. Oluwasanya
A. M. Babs-Edunjobi

Keywords: covid-19 pandemic/vaccine, SARS-Cov-2 virus, shoulder pain syndrome

Abstract

Background: The approval of the covid-19 vaccines against the SARS-Cov-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) strain has proven very effective, reducing hospitalization and overall mortality and morbidity. Shoulder pain is a common symptom after any intramuscular vaccination, including against the novel covid-19 infection. However, this is not as intensely reported sequel as the involvement of other body systems. This discussion reports shoulder pain syndrome as a short-term sequel post-covid-19 vaccination in what could be described as a SIRVA (shoulder injury related to vaccine administration) - like presentation.

Objective: The objective of this study is to give a brief insight into a common short term sequel of covid-19 vaccination against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with shoulder pain syndrome as case study.

Method: This is a retrospective cohort study of collated reports from medical colleagues and researchers resident in Canada, the United Kingdom, Nigeria and within the United States; in public and private practices involving patients whether previously infected with the SARS-Cov-2 virus or not, but that have had any of the covid-19 vaccine approved for use in their respective country injected between March 1^st and December 31^st 2022. Data were obtained from the various medical records applicable in each practitioner’s domain and through direct interviews. A total of eighty two (82) patients were reviewed. Descriptive analysis and a case history of the study were reported.

Results: Eighty two (82) people were retrospectively reviewed across age, sex, exposure to the covid-19 vaccines and geographical distribution over the nine month period. There is a female preponderance of forty three or 52.4%; against thirty nine males which accounts for 47.6% of total cases reviewed. The age range is between ≥18 and ≤99 year-old. One of these patients is herein reported as case study.

Conclusion: The findings in this study have further confirmed a significant relationship between covid-19 vaccination and the development of shoulder pain in a SIRVA-like presentation. It is therefore hoped that this will encourage relevant stakeholders to provide ready-made interventions for this presentation, thereby preventing avoidable disability, the apprehension of post-vaccination adverse events and vaccine hesitancy in the general population.

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