A large multinational study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that vaccination coverage for COVID-19 is high in both people with and without mental illness. The study analyzed data from seven studies in five countries and registry data from Sweden, totaling over 325,000 individuals. The pooled analysis from the COVIDMENT cohort showed that 85% of individuals were vaccinated with the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with no significant difference in vaccination levels between those with or without a mental illness diagnosis.
Lead author Mary Barker, a postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Environmental Medicine, noted that the high vaccination coverage among most individuals with mental illness indicates that the COVID-19 vaccination campaign has been successful. However, Swedish registry data revealed that individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who were not taking any medication for their condition were less likely to receive the first dose of the vaccine. Individuals with substance use disorder were also less likely to be vaccinated, highlighting the need for further research to understand the reasons behind these disparities.
The researchers emphasize the importance of exploring these associations to improve current and future vaccination strategies and ensure equitable protection against infectious diseases. Given that individuals with mental illness are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes, achieving high vaccination coverage in this group is crucial. More research is needed to address barriers to vaccination in these populations and ensure that they have equal access to vaccines.
The study was funded by various research councils and organizations, including NordForsk, the EU’s Horizon 2020 program, and the Swedish Research Council. Some of the authors disclosed potential conflicts of interest, such as receiving honoraria from and holding shares in pharmaceutical companies. The authors recommend referring to the scientific article for more detailed information on the study’s funding and potential conflicts of interest.
Overall, the study suggests that while vaccination coverage for COVID-19 is generally high among individuals with mental illness, disparities exist among those who are not taking medication for their condition or have substance use disorder. By addressing these disparities and ensuring equal access to vaccines, public health officials can better protect vulnerable populations and improve overall vaccination rates. Further research is needed to identify the specific barriers to vaccination in these populations and develop targeted interventions to address them.
