Repeat COVID-19 jabs offer protection for the immunocompromised
United Kingdom
Blood Cancer UK part-funded a study published today (Thursday 23 January) that has found that COVID-19 booster jabs provided enough antibodies in people with a weakened immune system to prevent hospitalisation.
The scientific journal, The Lancet, published the findings from the MELODY Study. The research explored how effectively at-risk individuals develop antibodies against the virus after at least three COVID-19 vaccinations.
Researchers looked at almost 22,000 people between December 2021 and June 2022 – the omicron wave of the pandemic.
“During the pandemic, people with blood cancer who were immunocompromised often faced an uphill battle navigating bureaucracy to get access to repeat vaccines.
- Dr Richard Francis, Blood Cancer UK
It is the first study of this scale to look at people with weakened immune systems. People with solid organ transplants, rare autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and lymphoid malignancies, including blood cancers were included in the study.
In the study, participants used home-testing kits, which included a simple finger-prick blood test. Antibodies are crucial for the body to fight infections and unlike standard COVID-19 tests these tests also checked for long-lasting antibody levels.
The study found that 82% of the participants developed antibodies after vaccination. Those with detectable antibodies were less likely to contract the virus or require hospital care if they had COVID-19.
These findings, alongside results from other studies, are very reassuring for many with blood cancer"
- Dr Richard Francis
Dr Richard Francis, Deputy Director of Research at Blood Cancer UK, said:
“During the pandemic, people with blood cancer who were immunocompromised often faced an uphill battle navigating bureaucracy to get access to repeat vaccines. It caused huge anxiety for this group of people, at a time when they also accounted for 1 in 20 of COVID-19 intensive care patients. At that time, we didn’t know whether having a weakened immune system also meant whether some people wouldn’t generate a ‘good response’ to the COVID-19 vaccines.
“These findings, alongside results from other studies, are very reassuring for many with blood cancer. They tell us that people with weakened immune systems generally respond well to repeat vaccines, and that they helped prevent hospitalisation. Looking to the future, the research also demonstrates that mass testing of immunocompromised individuals could be possible. Using home tests like this would give people a better idea of their individual risk and helps to personalise prevention strategies, whether this be through targeted repeat vaccinations, specific treatment or even management of household contacts.”
Dr Michelle Willicomb from Imperial University led the MELODY study, the largest of its kind, involving over 28,000 participants. Kidney Research UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Blood Cancer UK, Vasculitis UK, and Cystic Fibrosis Trust supported the research.
How you can help prepare against future pandemics
The UK government is running public inquiries into their responses to and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both intend to make recommendations to support future pandemic preparedness. Everyone is invited to share their experience of the pandemic with the inquiries through listening projects.
If you’re in England, Scotland Wales or Northern Ireland, find out more and share your story here: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/every-story-matters/
