"The results indicate that vaccination may help reduce the likelihood of atopic disease progression, such as the development of asthma, in children with eczema,” said the study's principal investigator, Zhibo Yang, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Practice at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), in a press release.
“It reinforces the safety and potential added benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable population,” he added.
For the study, researchers analyzed healthcare data from 5,758 children aged 17 and under who had received a COVID-19 vaccination, and 5, 758 who hadn’t. All children had atopic dermatitis, a condition that increases the risk of allergic and infectious conditions. Those who had previously been infected with COVID-19 or who had serious comorbidities were excluded.
Ultimately, the researchers found that vaccinated children had fewer infections, including otitis media, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, and other common skin infections.
They also had a lower risk of allergic conditions, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, contact dermatitis, and anaphylactic food reactions than unvaccinated peers. This, noted the researchers, suggests potential protection against atopic progression; the progression of atopic dermatitis in infants to allergic rhinitis and asthma in children.
Being vaccinated against COVID-19, however, was not linked to any significant difference in psychiatric or growth-related outcomes.
“COVID-19 vaccination is associated with reduced asthma and other immune-mediated complications in children with atopic dermatitis. These findings support the safety and potential broader protective benefits of vaccination in this population,” concluded the researchers in their study.
Source: Science Daily
