And that holds promise for this especially vulnerable group: They have a greater chance than others of contracting Covid-19; they tend to have longer, more severe cases; and their cases typically result in more hospitalizations.
Inherent challenges…
Initial results show that the booster vaccine improves antibody response. But that’s harder to do when the system is compromised. Recent studies underscore that challenge:
- Vaccine effectiveness is at 60 percent for immune-compromised populations, compared to 90 percent for the rest of the population
- Those with immune system suppression account for more than 40 percent of breakthrough cases, compared with just three percent for the remainder of the population
…And varied needs
It’s important to keep in mind that the degree of risk for contracting Covid-19 can vary widely for the immunocompromised, depending on just how compromised their immune system is. For instance, those on very high doses of immune-suppressing drugs or with autoimmune diseases that are extremely active and not well-controlled are at greater risk. As a point of reference, booster vaccination antibody response can vary from 20 to 30 percent for those such as solid organ transplant recipients, to more than 80 percent for those with a well-controlled autoimmune disease.
Some encouraging news for the immunocompromised population centers on a body’s cellular response. Studies have shown that despite a decreased antibody response, the body can still find a way to aggressively protect itself against pathogens through a cellular immune response. This is an area that’s now being looked at more closely.
It’s clear that some immunocompromised individuals may not be great candidates for the booster vaccine, based on their specific underlying conditions. When it comes to understanding the best course, communication plays a vital role. That means having a dialogue with the care team about underlying conditions and related factors to determine if the booster is a safe, appropriate step.
To learn more, see the ContagionLive article and the related interview with Daniel Streetman providing insight on booster vaccines for the immunocompromised.
