Children with atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, may benefit from COVID-19 vaccination beyond protection against the coronavirus, according to research presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.
The study analyzed health records of 5,758 vaccinated and 5,758 unvaccinated children under age 17 with atopic dermatitis. Researchers matched participants for demographics and health history and excluded those with prior COVID-19 infection or major comorbidities.
“Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition driven by the immune system and often precedes the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis,” said Tristan Nguyen, BS, lead author of the study. “Children with AD are also at higher risk for infections, including those affecting the skin and respiratory system.”
The findings showed that vaccinated children had lower rates of various infections such as otitis media (ear infection), pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, and other skin infections compared to their unvaccinated peers. Additionally, risks for allergic conditions like asthma, allergic rhinitis (hay fever), contact dermatitis, and food-related anaphylaxis were reduced among vaccinated children.
“Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination not only protects against coronavirus but may also have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis,” said Zhibo Yang, MD, PhD, principal investigator of the study. “We found lower rates of both allergic conditions and infections among vaccinated children compared to their unvaccinated peers.”
Researchers also observed a delayed onset for several conditions following vaccination. These included allergic rhinitis as well as viral and ear infections.
“The results indicate that vaccination may help reduce the likelihood of atopic disease progression, such as the development of asthma in children with eczema,” Dr. Yang added. “It reinforces the safety and potential added benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable population.”
No significant differences were found between groups regarding psychiatric or growth-related outcomes.
The ACAAI represents more than 6,000 allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals across the United States. The organization provides resources on allergy diagnosis and treatment through its website AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
The ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting takes place November 6–10 in Orlando.
For further information about diagnosis or treatment options for atopic dermatitis or to find an allergist nearby visit https://allergyandasthmarelief.org/.
