A Case of Staphylococcus aureus Septic Arthritis After COVID‐19 Vaccination

Septic arthritis is a serious medical emergency associated with high morbidity and mortality. A 49‐year‐old man with diabetes undergoing hemodialysis developed right shoulder pain and fever following his sixth dose of the COVID‐19 vaccine. Twelve days after vaccination, his fever persisted, and computed tomography imaging revealed a fluid collection around the right shoulder joint. Culture of the synovial fluid detected methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus , leading to a diagnosis. Intravenous administration of ceftriaxone was effective and de‐escalated to cefazolin and then oral cefaclor. The patient was discharged without complications. Caution is warranted because unexpected complications may arise after vaccination in individuals with multiple comorbidities.