As the global epidemic of obesity and type two diabetes in children and adults continues to be a major challenge to public health, an intriguing possible ‘off-target’ effect of the rotavirus vaccine and association with a reduction in the incidence of Type 1 diabetes, has been reported in JAMA Paediatrics. An Australian study from a team in Melbourne, JAMA Pediatr 2019;173(3):280-282. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2018.4578) and is the first report of epidemiological evidence of this possible and fascinating association.

Nearly 20 years ago it was recognised the rotavirus may have an effect on islet cells auto immunity (Diabetes 2000;49(8):1319–1324. doi:10.2337/diabetes.49.8.1319). Rotavirus vaccination was …