Sign in Subscribe
Vaccines

COVID-19 Vaccines Effective in Individuals Taking Immunosuppressants

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from the University of Michigan have investigated the effectiveness of three COVID-19 vaccines in individuals on immunosuppressants for various conditions. Their study, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, highlights the importance of booster doses for individuals on immunosuppressants.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 97,688 vaccinated and 42,094 unvaccinated individuals in the Michigan Medicine healthcare system from January 1 to December 7, 2021.
  • Taking immunosuppressants increased the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) of 2.17 (95% CI 1.69 to 2.79) for fully vaccinated and 1.40 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.83) for unvaccinated individuals.
  • The BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines were highly effective at reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals taking immunosuppressants.
  • Booster doses reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals on immunosuppressants, with an aHR of 0.42 (95% CI 0.24 to 0.76).
  • The mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines were effective in individuals who take immunosuppressants, but individuals who are vaccinated but on immunosuppressants are still at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 hospitalization than the broader vaccinated population.

Statistics:

  • 97,688 vaccinated individuals were included in the study.
  • 42,094 unvaccinated individuals were included in the study.
  • The BNT162b2 vaccine reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 41% among individuals taking immunosuppressants (95% CI 0.59, 0.91).
  • The mRNA-1273 vaccine reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 48% among individuals taking immunosuppressants (95% CI 0.52, 0.82).
  • The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine did not demonstrate statistical significance in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among individuals taking immunosuppressants (aHR=0.34, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.30, p=0.17).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Investigators from University of Michigan Zero in on COVID-19 (Efficacy of Covid-19 Vaccines In Patients Taking Immunosuppressants). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. April 3, 2022; p 369.
  • Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Efficacy of Covid-19 Vaccines In Patients Taking Immunosuppressants. 2022.

Read more