What is the relationship between Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of psoriasis and eczema?

From the Guidelines

The MMR vaccine does not have a proven link to the development of psoriasis and eczema, and individuals with these conditions can safely receive the vaccine. The evidence from studies 1 consistently shows that the MMR vaccine has an excellent safety profile, with the most common adverse reactions being transient and mild.

Key Points to Consider

• The MMR vaccine is administered in combination with the measles, mumps, and rubella components, and evidence demonstrates that it has an excellent safety profile 1.
• The majority of documented adverse events occur in children, and in rare circumstances, MMR vaccination of adults has been associated with anaphylaxis, thrombocytopenia, and acute arthritis 1.
• There is no evidence to support a link between MMR vaccination and the development of psoriasis and eczema, as well as other conditions such as hearing loss, retinopathy, optic neuritis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, or autism 1.
• Individuals with severe psoriasis or eczema may be on immunosuppressive medications, which could potentially affect vaccine response or safety, and should consult with both a dermatologist and immunization specialist before vaccination.

Recommendations

• The standard MMR vaccination schedule includes two doses, with the first typically given at 12-15 months of age and the second at 4-6 years.
• For adults who haven't been previously vaccinated, two doses separated by at least 28 days are recommended.
• The timing of the vaccine might need to be coordinated with medication schedules for individuals with severe psoriasis or eczema.

From the Research

Relationship between MMR vaccine and Psoriasis/Eczema

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that establishes a relationship between the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine and the development of psoriasis and eczema 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• However, a study suggests that vaccination, in general, can reduce the risk of infection in patients with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis 2.
• Another study found that patients with psoriasis and eczema recognize the benefits of vaccines, but common barriers to vaccination include access to appointments, concerns about side effects, and misinformation 3.
• A review of vaccinations and autoimmune diseases found that epidemiological studies do not support the hypothesis that vaccines cause systemic autoimmune diseases, but there is a confirmed association between the MMR vaccine and thrombocytopenia, although this is very rare 4.
• Studies on the immune response to vaccination in patients with psoriasis treated with systemic therapies suggest that non-live vaccines have a more favorable safety profile, but live vaccines should be avoided during therapy with immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive therapies 5.
• A study on the possible triggering effect of influenza vaccination on psoriasis found that influenza vaccinations may have provocative effects on psoriasis, but further large and controlled studies are needed to confirm this relationship 6.

MMR Vaccine and Autoimmune Diseases

• The MMR vaccine has been associated with a rare increased risk of thrombocytopenia, but there is no confirmed association with the development of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and eczema 4.
• The exact mechanisms by which vaccines could trigger autoimmune diseases are not well understood, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vaccination and autoimmune diseases 4.