Prolonged duration of COVID-19 vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy
The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb has received reports of enlarged lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination that do not disappear within the expected 1 to 2 weeks. In some cases, the lymph nodes remained enlarged for more than 6 months. Even though persistent enlarged lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination seem harmless, a visit to the general practitioner is still necessary to rule out other causes.
Lymphadenopathy is a known side effect after COVID-19 vaccination. It usually disappears on its own after 1 to 2 weeks. Lareb has received several reports where there was a prolonged duration of COVID-19 vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy.
Lareb reports
Until August 16th 2023, Lareb received 67 reports of COVID-19 vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy that persisted for more than 6 months. The enlarged lymph node usually occurred within 2 days after COVID-19 vaccination on the side where the vaccination was administered. In most reports of , the lymph node was enlarged in the armpit, neck or above the collarbone. In 85% of reports, the lymphadenopathy occurred after the first or second COVID-19 vaccination. In all reports of prolonged duration of COVID-19 vaccine-induced lymphadenopathy, this was not yet recovered at time of reporting. In almost half of the cases medical examination had been done. This was usually an ultrasound.
General practitioner visit is important if symptoms persistÂ
In addition to the COVID-19 vaccination, there are several other causes for lymphadenopathy, some of them serious. It is therefore important to see a general practitioner if the enlargement persists after 2 weeks.