No Connection Between Rotavirus Vaccination and Celiac Disease or Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Children

Celiac.com 08/29/2022 - Rotavirus infection is a potential trigger for autoimmune diseases, and some studies have shown associations between rotavirus vaccination and autoimmune conditions, such as type 1 diabetes.

There have also been a number of studies that show an association between celiac disease and childhood or infant rotavirus infection. But is there any association between the rotavirus vaccine and rates of celiac disease? 

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A team of researchers recently set out to examine the association between rotavirus vaccination and celiac disease and autoimmune thyroiditis, both of which are associated with type 1 diabetes.

The research team included Catherine Kim, Zhe Yin, Neil Kamdar & Grace J. Lee. They are variously affiliated with the Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; the Institute for Health Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI; and the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.

The team's retrospective cohort study used de-identified claims data to include more than 2.1 million eligible infants who were born between 2001 and 2018, and continuously enrolled from birth for at least 365 days.

Nearly thirty percent of infants were born prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in 2006; thirty-two percent were eligible for the vaccine, but were not vaccinated; nearly ten percent received partial vaccination;  while nearly thirty percent received full vaccination. 

The team found 1,000 cases of autoimmune thyroiditis, and nearly 1,400 cases of celiac disease. 

Compared to unvaccinated children born after 2006, children who were born prior to the introduction of rotavirus vaccine in 2006 had lower risk of celiac disease. However, the risk for children who were partially vaccinated or fully vaccinated was similar to the unvaccinated children. Risk of autoimmune thyroiditis also corresponded to vaccination status. 

Based on the data, the team concludes that rotavirus vaccination has no effect on risk for celiac disease or autoimmune thyroiditis.

Hopefully, this will alleviate any concerns about celiac disease or autoimmune thyroiditis and the rotavirus vaccine, and help parents to make informed decisions about vaccinating infants against rotavirus.

Read more in Scientific Reports volume 12, Article number: 12941 (2022).