Impact of Comorbidities and Skin Diseases on Post-Vaccination Reactions: A Study on COVID-19 Vaccinations in Poland

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid and widespread vaccination efforts, which proved critical in reducing the severity and mortality of the virus. However, the interplay between vaccinations, pre-existing skin conditions, and other comorbidities still needs to be explored. This study investigated the occurrence and severity of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) with COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with chronic skin diseases and comorbidities within a Central European cohort. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted between May 2022 and February 2023, targeting students and employees of universities in Wrocław, Poland. A total of 513 respondents were analyzed, focusing on AEFIs following the first, second, and third doses of COVID-19 vaccines and the effects of COVID-19 on conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and various comorbidities. Results: COVID-19 vaccination effectively protected against severe disease across all doses. The analysis revealed no significant impact of either COVID-19 infection or vaccination on the course of selected skin diseases and comorbidities. The reporting of AEFIs to the Sanitary Inspection was notably low. The Moderna and Pfizer mRNA-based vaccines were associated with a higher reported number of AEFIs, particularly after the second and third doses, compared to AstraZeneca, which exhibited fewer adverse events after subsequent doses. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is both safe and effective, even in patients with pre-existing skin conditions and comorbidities. Vaccine selection may benefit from considering individual health profiles, and better reporting of AEFIs is needed to enhance vaccine safety monitoring.