TOPLINE:
A meta-analysis of 16 observational studies found no significant association between vaccination exposure and risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Short-term follow-up data (< 1 year) suggested that vaccines may protect against RA.
METHODOLOGY:
- Researchers assessed the association between vaccinations and RA incidence and relapse by conducting an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 observational studies from across Europe, North America, and Asia and published between 2008 and 2024.
- Studies comprising the meta-analysis ranged in size from 202 to 9,258,803 participants and included 12 cohort studies and four case-control studies, with follow-up periods ranging from 0.03 to 9 years.
- Individuals with and without RA who received any vaccination, while those who did not receive vaccination served as the…