Do COVID-19 vaccinations offer less protection to immunocompromised people?
Data remains incomplete, but COVID-19 vaccinations appear to offer less protection to people with immune systems weakened by various medical issues.
A 2016 survey estimated that 3% or 4% of American adults are “immunocompromised” as a result of genetic deficiencies, post-transplant drug regimes, infections such as HIV or various other medical treatments.
COVID-19 vaccines normally produce antibodies detectible in anyone who receives a shot, signaling a high degree of protectiveness. A study of 658 transplant recipients published in May 2021 found that only 15% developed antibodies after a first vaccine dose, and 54% after two. A survey of vaccinated transplant patients found relatively more serious “breakthrough” COVID-19 illness—the overall numbers were low, but the rate of serious illness was 485 times higher than for the general vaccinated population.
Researchers note that the immunocompromised may also lack B and T cells, further weakening their protection. Even so, they encourage the immunocompromised to get vaccinated given its safety and modest protection. Researchers are investigating whether a third dose could strengthen the level of protection.