HPV vaccine-related thyroid adverse events: temporal patterns and reporting trends

Area of Science:

• Pharmacovigilance
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is crucial for preventing cervical cancer.
• Emerging concerns exist regarding potential thyroid-related adverse events (AEs) following HPV vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential associations between HPV vaccination and thyroid disorders.
• To analyze spontaneous adverse event reports for thyroid-related signals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) data through December 31, 2024.
• Performed disproportionality analyses (PRR, ROR, BCPNN, MGPS) and subgroup analyses (gender, age, vaccine type).
• Employed a Weibull model to assess temporal risk patterns of reported AEs.

Main Results:

• Identified 13 thyroid-associated AEs with positive signals among 60,840 HPV vaccine reports.
• Hypothyroidism (ROR = 11.65) and autoimmune thyroiditis (ROR = 4.26) showed the strongest associations.
• HPV-4 vaccine was linked to 72.8% of thyroid AEs, predominantly in females under 65, with reporting rates peaking within 180 days.

Conclusions:

• Suggests a potential link between HPV vaccination and thyroid disorders, particularly hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Highlights the need for ongoing pharmacovigilance to monitor vaccine safety.
• Recommends further mechanistic studies to elucidate the relationship between HPV vaccination and thyroid dysfunction.