"Burning Skin Pain" Janssen Side Effect Rare Case Appears in US Male

Rash spreading on Richard Terrell's back after Janssen vaccine injection. Photo by Twitter capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] A man in the United States experienced severe skin symptoms after receiving the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. Specialists explained that these symptoms are related to the COVID-19 vaccine. However, they emphasized that it appears to be an interaction with the patient's genetic traits and that others should continue with vaccination as planned.

Richard Terrell (74), who lives in Virginia, received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine on the 6th of last month. About 3 to 4 days after vaccination, he began to feel itching on his arm. This symptom gradually spread throughout his body, and later his skin became severely red and even cracked. Swelling also appeared on his hands and legs. He expressed his pain, saying, "My skin feels stinging, itchy, and burning."

As Terrell's symptoms worsened, he visited a hospital on the 19th of last month (local time), but his skin condition had already deteriorated to the point that emergency room treatment was necessary.

The medical staff at VCU Medical Center conducted various tests to determine the exact cause of the skin symptoms. However, he tested negative for other viral diseases, and no abnormalities were found in his heart, kidneys, liver, or other organs.

Terrel's both legs showing skin reactions after Janssen vaccination. Photo by Twitter capture

Newton, the dermatologist who treated him, stated, "We concluded that the cause of (Terrell's) skin symptoms was the COVID-19 vaccine." He further explained, "It appears to be an interaction between a specific component of the vaccine and the patient's genetic traits." He added, "The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks," emphasizing, "People should not be afraid of getting vaccinated."

According to Fox News, ABC News, and others, the medical team that completed the examination on him announced on the 31st (local time) that "this appears to be the first case of a severe skin reaction following COVID-19 vaccination." While mild skin rash cases have been reported after COVID-19 vaccination, this is the first severe case like Terrell's.

The medical team reported his case to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and plans to publish this case in a medical journal.

Johnson & Johnson Janssen 'COVID-19' vaccine scheduled for introduction in Korea.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, this vaccine made by Janssen, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson in the United States, is the only COVID-19 vaccine expected to be introduced domestically that requires only a single dose. It can also be stored refrigerated, raising expectations for faster vaccination speed. In phase 3 clinical trials, its preventive efficacy was about 66% on average.

Additionally, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) plans to hold a Central Pharmaceutical Review Committee meeting today (the 1st) to review the approval of the Janssen vaccine. The Central Pharmaceutical Review Committee is the second stage of expert advisory procedures for MFDS approval review, where advice will be received regarding the safety, efficacy, and considerations for approval of Janssen's COVID-19 vaccine, with the results to be announced in the afternoon of the same day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.