Vaccines and Hair Loss
Myriad different things can cause hair loss. Every once in a while, hair loss is a side effect of another treatment. Do vaccines fall into that category?
There is no doubt that vaccines have saved innumerable human lives by preventing or lessening the effects of everything from COVID, the flu, and shingles. However, if there is a link between vaccines and hair loss, knowing about it helps when planning alopecia treatment strategies.
Can COVID Make Your Hair Fall Out?
Of course, the first thing most people want to know from an article like this is how the current pandemic plays into things. It is true that many people are suffering hair loss after contracting COVID. But it appears to be a perfectly normal bodily reaction to having high fevers often associated with severe illnesses – and not a specific side effect of COVID.
Hair loss or hair shedding after prolonged stress or illness is called telogen effluvium. This condition can last up to six months once it starts. On the positive side, most people see a return to normality after that time.
Does the A SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Trigger Alopecia?
The honest answer is that we need more time to gather and process data on the subject. Some studies support pros and cons, but the vaccine has not been used long enough for reliable data on any causal link to alopecia. Any statement otherwise at this point would be premature.
Can Routine Immunizations Cause Hair Loss?
According to research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), if there is an association between the two, it rarely occurs. However, they also note the need for further research on the matter.
Can Chickenpox Make Your Hair Fall Out?
Studies published by The National Library of Medicine say chickenpox does not cause hair loss. Since some find these studies can be a bit hard to read, here is the pertinent paragraph:
“As far as we know, permanent localized cicatricial hair loss following chickenpox and shingles-induced transitory alopecia areata (AA) has never been reported previously.” (Emphasis added.)
Can the HPV Vaccine Make Your Hair Fall Out?
Evidence demonstrates no long-term side effects of the HPV vaccine, including hair loss.
Skipping your immunizations is not recommended. Their health benefits far outweigh the downsides of hair loss – and there is no solid evidence that vaccines contribute to hair loss. However, since hair loss is usually accompanied by social stress and emotional distress, caregivers should pay special attention to the psychological needs of their charges.
Suffering From Hair Loss? We’re Here To Help
Austin Hair Restoration Clinic has answers if you have questions about hair loss and what to do about it. We can develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your situation. Our cutting-edge hair restoration techniques include the minimally invasive ARTAS FUE Hair Transplant System. We have both the expertise and the technology to find a solution to your problems!
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s take steps toward a more confident you!
Dr. Sanjeev Dubey is an experienced hair restoration and emergency medicine physician in Austin, Texas. He holds a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) and has been practicing medicine for over two decades. His affiliations include Seton Medical Center Austin, Seton Northwest, and various local hospitals.
