Can receiving a COVID-19 vaccine cause elevated creatine kinase levels?

Under normal circumstances, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine does not directly cause a significant increase in creatine kinase (CK). However, transient elevations may occur in specific situations due to mechanical muscle injury or coincidental reactions. The detailed analysis is as follows:

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, creatine kinase levels generally do not rise significantly if there is no intense physical activity or muscle strain. The vaccine components do not directly damage muscle cells or trigger enzyme release, and most individuals maintain normal CK levels post-vaccination. In such cases, the body's immune response remains stable without adverse effects on muscle tissue, so there is no need to worry about abnormal fluctuations in CK levels; completing the vaccination according to standard procedures is sufficient.

If high-intensity exercise is performed shortly after vaccination, or if mechanical injury occurs at the injection site due to improper pressure or massage, it may lead to a temporary increase in creatine kinase. Additionally, if an individual is in the incubation phase of a muscular disorder at the time of vaccination, a coincidental reaction could also elevate this indicator. These situations are not related to the direct action of the vaccine but are mostly caused by external factors or individual health conditions.

After vaccination, avoid strenuous exercise immediately, gently care for the injection site, maintain a light diet with adequate nutrition, and seek medical attention promptly if muscle pain progressively worsens.