A new study led by UC San Francisco found that only 1 in 4 people in the United States have received last year’s updated COVID-19 vaccine, despite a death toll of over 23,000 Americans this year. One of the main reasons for people avoiding the vaccine is concern about potential side effects. However, the study revealed that the symptoms experienced after vaccination, such as tiredness, muscle pain, and fever, actually indicate a strong immune response that can reduce the chances of infection.
The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, analyzed symptom reports and antibody responses from 363 individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines. Participants ranged from their forties to sixties and had not been previously infected with the virus. The researchers found that individuals who experienced seven or more symptoms after the second dose of the vaccine had nearly double the antibody levels compared to those who did not have symptoms. Additionally, those whose skin temperature increased by 1 degree Celsius post-vaccination had three times the antibody levels six months later.
The presence of side effects after vaccination does not necessarily indicate a stronger antibody response, as some individuals without symptoms showed better antibody levels than those with symptoms. Despite the evolving nature of the virus and decreasing fatality rates, the impact of COVID-19 can still be significant, causing illness, lost work, fatigue, and long COVID. While vaccine side effects can be unpleasant, they are far less severe than potential complications from the disease itself, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated.
Co-senior author Dr. Elissa Epel emphasized the importance of recognizing the toll of COVID-19 and the potential benefits of vaccination, as well as the importance of continuing to monitor antibody responses to vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommend that all individuals aged 6 months and older should receive the updated vaccine, with those aged 65 and older receiving an additional dose. The study’s co-authors include researchers from UCSF, Tulane University, and Boston Children’s Hospital, with funding provided by the National Institutes of Health.
The study’s findings highlight the importance of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 infection and reducing its impact on individuals and communities. Identifying predictors of a strong antibody response to vaccines will continue to be crucial as COVID-19 vaccines become a regular part of healthcare practices. As the world continues to navigate the ongoing pandemic, ensuring high vaccination rates and monitoring antibody responses remain key strategies in combating the spread of the virus and protecting public health.
