byAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

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Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, may experience fewer infections and allergic complications if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to new researchpresentedat the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.

The work was also published in theAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.

"Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition driven by the immune system and often precedes the development of asthma and allergic rhinitis," says medical student 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."

Researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study, analyzing 5,758 vaccinated and 5,758 unvaccinated pediatric AD patients, younger than 17 years of age. The subjects were matched for demographics and health history. Children with prior COVID-19 infection or major comorbidities were excluded.

"Our study suggests that COVID-19 vaccination not only protects against coronavirus but may also have broader health benefits for children withatopic dermatitis," said Zhibo Yang, MD, Ph.D., the principal investigator (PI) of the study. "We found lower rates of both allergic conditions and infections among vaccinated children compared to their unvaccinated peers."

Key findings included:

"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 Dr. Yang. "It reinforces the safety and potential added benefits of COVID-19 vaccination in this vulnerable population."

The findings add to a growing body of evidence supporting vaccination as a valuable tool in protecting children with chronic allergic conditions.

More information: T. Nguyen, et al. COVID-19 vaccination is associated with reduced complications in pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis, Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (2025).

Provided by American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology