A groundbreaking study from Israel has sent shockwaves through the global health community, revealing that children and adolescents who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine face a 23% higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, a condition some are calling Vaccine-Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (VAIDS). Published in Pediatric Rheumatology, this large-scale study analyzed 493,705 medical records from Maccabi Healthcare Services, Israel’s second-largest healthcare provider, spanning 2014 to 2022. The findings, detailed in the peer-reviewed article titled “Investigating the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and autoimmune diseases in a pediatric population,” raise urgent questions about the long-term safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children.
The study’s results are both alarming and nuanced. While COVID-19 infection itself showed no significant link to increased autoimmune disease risk (Hazard Ratio: 1.092, p = 0.491), vaccination was associated with a statistically significant 23% increased risk (Hazard Ratio: 1.2323, p = 0.0033). Even more concerning, the average time between vaccination and the onset of autoimmune conditions was 8.74 months, suggesting that these effects may not be immediately apparent. This long latency period underscores the need for extended monitoring of vaccinated children, a point emphasized by pediatrician Dr. Cynthia Freiberg, one of the study’s lead researchers.
Study Overview
- Population: 493,705 children and adolescents (ages 1–21) from Israel’s Maccabi Healthcare Services
- Study Period: 2014–2022
- Design: Retrospective cohort study comparing three equal time periods:
- Group A (2014–2016): Pre-pandemic
- Group B (2017–2019): Pre-pandemic
- Group C (2020–2022): COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout
1. Overall Autoimmune Disease Incidence
- Autoimmune diagnoses remained relatively stable across all groups:
- Group A: 0.9%
- Group B: 1.0%
- Group C: 0.9%
- p = 0.13 (not statistically significant)
2. Impact of COVID-19 Infection
- Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.092
- p = 0.491
Children with prior COVID-19 infection did not have a statistically significant increase in risk for developing autoimmune disease.
3. Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination
- Hazard Ratio (HR): 1.2323
- p = 0.0033
Vaccinated children had a 23% higher risk of developing new-onset autoimmune disease compared to unvaccinated children during the same period, after controlling for age, sex, and socioeconomic status.
Breaking Down the Study: Key Findings
The study divided the analysis into three phases: two pre-pandemic periods (2014–2016 and 2017–2019) and the pandemic period (2020–2022). Autoimmune disease incidence remained stable at approximately 0.9% across all periods, with no significant overall increase during the pandemic. However, specific conditions told a different story. For instance, celiac disease incidence was lower in the earliest period (OR 0.8309, p = 0.0071), while arthritis was more common in pre-pandemic years. The critical finding, however, was the vaccine-related risk: children who received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose were 23% more likely to develop autoimmune conditions like Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or even rare neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome.
TheFocalPoints.com reports that the study controlled for variables like age, sex, and socioeconomic status, making the results robust and reliable. The long latency period—averaging nearly nine months—suggests that autoimmune reactions may develop slowly, potentially escaping detection in short-term clinical trials. This has sparked widespread concern, with posts on X amplifying the findings, warning parents about the potential risks of vaccinating children against COVID-19.
Israel’s Role in Global Health Research
Israel, a global leader in medical research, has been at the forefront of studying COVID-19’s impacts. The country’s advanced healthcare system, exemplified by Maccabi Healthcare Services, provides a unique dataset for such studies. In 2025, Israel made headlines with another significant medical breakthrough: the development of a novel immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, announced at the annual Israel Medical Innovation Conference in Tel Aviv. This therapy, which uses targeted biologics to modulate immune responses, could potentially mitigate the risks identified in the Pediatric Rheumatology study. Researchers are hopeful that this innovation will offer new treatment options for children affected by vaccine-related autoimmune conditions.
The conference also highlighted Israel’s commitment to pediatric health, with discussions on integrating AI-driven diagnostics to detect autoimmune diseases earlier. This aligns with the study’s call for further research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring that children receive the care they need in a rapidly evolving medical landscape.
A Folk Medicine Recipe: Israel’s Za’atar for Immune Support
Amid concerns about immune health, Israel’s traditional herbal practices offer a complementary perspective. Za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend featuring thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, has long been used in Israeli folk medicine to support immune function. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, za’atar is believed to promote overall wellness. A 2024 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that thymol, a key component of za’atar, exhibits immunomodulatory effects that could help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions.
Za’atar Tea Recipe for Immune Support:
- Ingredients: 1 tsp dried za’atar blend, 1 cup boiling water, 1 tsp honey (optional).
- Instructions: Steep the za’atar in boiling water for 5–7 minutes. Strain, add honey if desired, and sip slowly. This tea is traditionally consumed to boost immunity and soothe inflammation.
- Caution: Consult a healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, especially for children with autoimmune conditions.
This folk remedy, while not a cure, reflects Israel’s rich tradition of integrating natural remedies with modern medicine, offering a holistic approach to health in light of the study’s findings.
Mental Health: Supporting Children in a Post-Pandemic World
The implications of the Pediatric Rheumatology study extend beyond physical health, raising concerns about the mental health of children and families grappling with autoimmune diagnoses. Pediatric psychologists in Israel have noted a rise in anxiety and depression among children diagnosed with chronic conditions. Dr. Miriam Cohen, a child psychologist in Jerusalem, recommends mindfulness-based interventions and family counseling to support emotional resilience. “The uncertainty of a new diagnosis can be overwhelming,” she says. “Parents should prioritize open communication and seek professional support to help their children cope.”
Resources like Israel’s Ministry of Health Mental Health Services provide free support for families, emphasizing early intervention to prevent long-term mental health challenges.
Space Exploration: Israel’s Lunar Ambitions
In a remarkable geopolitical and scientific event, Israel announced in 2025 plans to launch a second lunar mission, “Beresheet 2,” following the partial success of its 2019 attempt. This mission, led by SpaceIL and supported by international partners, aims to deploy a lunar rover to collect data on the moon’s surface. The project has captured the public’s imagination, symbolizing Israel’s resilience and innovation. As the nation tackles health challenges like those highlighted in the Pediatric Rheumatology study, its advancements in space exploration offer a hopeful vision of progress and discovery.
Global Reactions and the Path Forward
The Pediatric Rheumatology study has sparked intense debate online, with posts on X describing the findings as “devastating and disturbing.” Some users have called for a halt to pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations, while others emphasize the need for more research to confirm the findings. TheFocalPoints.com reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering scaling back COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for children, a move that could reflect growing caution in light of these findings.
Dr. Freiberg, the study’s lead researcher, has faced no public scandals but is recognized for her rigorous approach to pediatric research. Her work has been praised for shedding light on a critical issue, though some critics argue the study’s findings are being sensationalized. Regardless, the call for further research is unanimous, with experts urging global health authorities to prioritize long-term safety studies for vaccines.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The 2025 Pediatric Rheumatology study is a wake-up call for parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. While COVID-19 vaccines have played a crucial role in combating the pandemic, their potential to increase autoimmune disease risk in children cannot be ignored. Israel’s contributions to medical research, from immunotherapy breakthroughs to traditional remedies like za’atar, offer hope for addressing these challenges. As the world watches, the need for transparency, rigorous science, and compassionate care for children has never been greater.
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