A new study explores how some people with impaired immune systems get less benefit than others from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, Reuters news agency reported on Thursday.
Researchers looked at around 20,000 immunocompromised adults, 53% of whom were fully vaccinated, and nearly 70,000 with normal immune systems (immunocompetent), 43% of whom were fully vaccinated. The findings have been published in the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Overall, the vaccines' efficacy against hospitalisation for COVID-19 was 90% in the immunocompetent group. That dropped to 77% among those with conditions that weaken their immune system, regardless of age.
However, efficacy ranged from 59% among transplant recipients, who take anti-rejection medicines, and 74% among blood cancer patients to 81% among people with rheumatologic or inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Peter Embi, chief executive of Regenstrief Institute in Indianapolis, said that statistically, the vaccines from Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)/BioNTech (Nasdaq:BNTX) and Moderna (Nasdaq:MRNA) were similarly effective. He added that the study supports the CDC recommendations that two doses of the mRNA vaccines aren't enough.
"People with suppressed immune systems who are getting either mRNA COVID-19 vaccine should get three doses of either one, and then a booster six months later."
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