Vaccination and Allergic Sensitization in Early Childhood – The ALADDIN Birth Cohort

Abstract

To determine the association between restrictive vaccinations and the risk of allergic sensitization.This study was based on the ALADDIN Birth Cohort and included 466 children in Stockholm, Sweden. The cohort included families from anthroposophic communities, who typically are more restrictive concerning vaccines, and families who followed more-conventional vaccination schedules.In this prospective study, participants were assessed at 6 months and 1, 2, and 5 years of age. At these specified intervals, parents completed questionnaires related to allergies, and blood samples were obtained. The blood samples were analyzed for specific immunoglobulin E to cow’s milk, hen’s egg, peanut, cat, dog, birch, timothy, codfish, wheat, soy, Cladosporium, dust mites, horse, and mugwort at age 5 years. Allergic sensitization was defined as allergen-specific immunoglobulin E levels ≥0.35 kUA/L.When the results were not adjusted, there was an association between children with restricted vaccinations and a lower odds ratio for allergic sensitization; however, when the results were adjusted for lifestyle variables, there was no statistical significance between the association of restricted vaccinations and allergic sensitization.Researchers in this study found no association between allergic sensitization and age at first vaccination, total number of vaccines, or receiving the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.With increasing rates of unvaccinated children, it is important for medical providers to discuss concerns and skepticism with parents. This study is consistent with previous studies showing no association between routine childhood vaccination and allergic sensitization. Parents should be reassured that childhood vaccines are not contributing to allergic sensitization.