Researchers at Birmingham University analyzed 60 parents who received the pneumococcal vaccine as part of the study. Half of them had children with developmental disabilities.
Blood tests results showed that parents caring for a child with developmental disability such as autism and Down's syndrome had a poorer immune response to a vaccine against pneumonia. They also had lower levels of antibodies to the vaccine than those whose children were developing normally, BBC news reports.
Results after one month showed that 20 percent of parents providing long-term care had a weakened immune response, compared to 4 percent of the control group. At six months, this had risen to 48 percent compared to the steady levels in the control group.
Researchers from Birmingham University say the main reason for the weak immune system could be pinned down to stress and urged charity groups to come forward for their help. The study also suggested that such parents should be added to the list of vulnerable groups eligible for vaccinations such as the flu jab. The results are published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity.
