Researchers have found evidence linking the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to the onset or worsening of inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases, according to a new study published in the Journal of the German Society of Dermatology.
The study, led by Philipps-University Marburg doctors Julia Hinterseher, Michael Hertl, and Dario Didona, conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of the existing literature on the onset or worsening of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
“Our meta-analysis highlights a link between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and new onset or worsening of inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases,” the authors stated.
The diseases analyzed in the study included bullous pemphigoid, pemphigus vulgaris, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, lichen planus, and leukocytoclastic vasculitis.
Severity and response to treatment varied among the reported cases.
Aiming to reduce bias, the researchers focused on new-onset or worsening diseases that occurred up to 21 days following the vaccination.
They suggest that this will decrease the likelihood of identifying diagnoses or disease exacerbations that would have occurred independently of vaccination.
“In summary, there is suggestive evidence that new onset or worsening of autoimmune skin disease is associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination,” the authors confirmed.
They cited cases from their dermatology department where patients exhibited significant worsening or new onset of autoimmune disease following their COVID vaccination.
The authors also noted that the number of de novo or relapsing autoimmune skin diseases is higher for mRNA-based vaccines such as Pfizer’s and Moderna’s formulations, but that this could be due to the fact that mRNA vaccines have been used more frequently than other vaccines.
However, despite these adverse side effects being linked to the COVID jab, the authors did not advise avoiding vaccination.
“Since vaccination saves many lives worldwide and induction or worsening of autoimmune disease is rarely observed, there is no reason to avoid vaccinations,” they claimed.
Although the study authors claim no ethical bias in drawing the above conclusion, it should be noted that Philipps-University Marburg and Pfizer have extensively collaborated on vaccine research and development, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.
One notable individual who has played a significant role in Pfizer’s vaccine research and development unit is Kathrin U. Jansen.
Dr. Jansen holds a doctoral degree in microbiology, biochemistry, and genetics, which she earned from Philipps-University Marburg.
Throughout her career, she has been leading Pfizer’s efforts in vaccine research and development.
Jansen, who announced her retirement in April 2022, led Pfizer’s collaboration with BioNTech to develop a COVID vaccine, according to Stat News. She was also a key figure in efforts at Merck to develop the HPV vaccine Gardasil.
Moreover, Philipps-University Marburg’s research laboratory actively participated in the research and development of coronavirus vaccines, working in collaboration with Pfizer.
Read the full study below:
