Association of Alopecia Areata With COVID-19 Vaccination: A Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System Analysis
January 2026
in “
Dermatology Online Journal
”
TLDR COVID-19 vaccination may be linked to alopecia areata, especially in young adults.
This study examined 206 cases of alopecia areata (AA) reported in the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS) after COVID-19 vaccination in the U.S., with most cases occurring in females (66%) and a mean age of 41.4 years. AA was commonly observed within 1 month post-vaccination, especially in the 18-39 age group. No significant difference in AA risk was found between vaccine manufacturers, though Pfizer had a higher proportion of cases. A history of autoimmune disorders or previous vaccination adverse events did not significantly increase AA risk. The study indicates a potential association between AA and COVID-19 vaccination, emphasizing the need for further research to explore the mechanisms and develop management strategies.