Kids with eczema may have fewer related infections, allergic complications after COVID vaccination

News brief

Children with the skin condition atopic dermatitis (AD, or eczema) who are vaccinated against COVID-19 may experience fewer related infections and allergic complications, according to new research presented at the recent American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting in Florida.

University of Texas researchers analyzed data from 5,758 vaccinated and the same number of unvaccinated AD patients younger than 17 years matched for demographics and health history to determine if COVID-19 vaccination reduces AD-related infections and complications.

"Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition driven by the immune system and often precedes the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis," first author Tristan Nguyen, a medical student, said in the news release. "Children with AD are also at higher risk for infections, including those affecting the skin and respiratory system."

Onset of several conditions delayed after immunization

Relative to unvaccinated children, those who were vaccinated had significantly fewer infections such as ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis, and upper respiratory infections.

Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination not only protects against coronavirus but may also have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis.

Zhibo Yang, MD, PhD

Vaccinated children were also at lower risk for allergic conditions such as asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), contact dermatitis, and food-related anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction to a certain food or foods).

The onset of several conditions, including allergic rhinitis, viral infections, and ear infections, was also delayed after COVID-19 vaccination.

"Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination not only protects against coronavirus but may also have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis," principal investigator Zhibo Yang, MD, PhD, said in the release. "We found lower rates of both allergic conditions and infections among vaccinated children compared to their unvaccinated peers. It reinforces the safety and potential added benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable population."

The findings, the authors said, are part of a growing body of evidence supporting vaccination as a valuable tool in protecting children with chronic allergic conditions. They have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Measles count climbs in Arizona-Utah, South Carolina outbreaks

News brief

Stephanie Soucheray, MA

Arizona and Utah reported an increase in measles case counts today, as did South Carolina, according to state dashboards.

The outbreak that straddles the Utah-Arizona border has now grown to 182 cases, and is the second largest measles outbreak this year following the West Texas outbreak, which sickened at least 762 people, with three deaths.

Arizona has 128 measles cases, 17 more than last week, with 124 cases in Mohave County. The state reported its first measles cases in June.

Mohave County is home to Colorado City, which has been the epicenter of measles activity during this outbreak, along with neighboring Hildale, Utah, which is in southwest Utah.

The Utah Department of Health & Human Services said there were now 74 measles cases in the state, with 58 in southwest Utah, seven more than last week.

South Carolina tracks 8 new cases

The Upstate outbreak in South Carolina also grew, with eight more cases reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health today. The state total is now 46.

Six of the eight new patients are household members of previously identified patients. All new patients are in quarantine.

Two cases, however, occurred within the same household, but the source of infection is unknown.

We encourage people to get vaccinated now to prevent measles from disrupting your holiday plans.

"The unidentified source of the two new cases reinforces our concern about potential ongoing community transmission, and we are reminding people that travel for the upcoming holidays increases the risk of exposures greatly for those traveling and for those accepting visitors," officials said. "We encourage people to get vaccinated now to prevent measles from disrupting your holiday plans."