Otolaryngology adverse events following COVID-19 vaccines

OBJECTIVE: Since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the international scientif- ic community aimed at developing a vaccine to protect against the infection and prevent serious forms of the disease. To date, various adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines have been report- ed, mostly mild to moderate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this short communication, we reviewed available litera- ture and described the most frequent otolaryn- gology adverse events reported after COVID-19 vaccination. RESULTS: The most frequent adverse events following COVID-19 vaccine described in the literature are represented by audiovestibular symptoms, such as tinnitus, sudden sensorineu- ral hearing loss, vertigo, and dizziness. Other side effects include facial nerve palsy, epistaxis, and oral manifestations (lichen planus, bleeding, ulcers, and vesicles). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccine is of ut- most importance in limiting the spread of SARS- CoV-2. Otolaryngology-related side effects have been described, but none was severe or life threatening. The mechanisms underlying these effects are still mostly unknown.