Incorrect administration of the rabies vaccine leading to an unusual case of acute bursitis and tendonitis of the rotator cuff

Authors

Chelsea LeeFollow
Jina NMN Park, PCOMFollow
Alberto GiardiniFollow

Abstract

Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized complication resulting from improper intramuscular injection technique. SIRVA occurs when a vaccine is administered too high or too deep into the deltoid muscle, leading to inflammation of the shoulder structures such as the rotator cuff and subacromial bursa. While most reported cases involve influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, SIRVA following rabies vaccination is rare. This case highlights a 46-year-old female who developed acute rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis after a malplaced rabies vaccine injection. Early recognition and intervention, including corticosteroid injection and physical therapy, led to significant symptom resolution, underscoring the importance of proper injection technique and prompt management.

Recommended Citation

Lee, Chelsea; Park, Jina NMN; and Giardini, Alberto (2025) "Incorrect administration of the rabies vaccine leading to an unusual case of acute bursitis and tendonitis of the rotator cuff," The Journal of Integrated Primary Care: Vol. 2: Iss. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/jipc/vol2/iss3/2