A recent observational study conducted by Canadian researchers has revealed that COVID vaccination after experiencing long COVID or post-COVID condition (PCC) may lead to fewer symptoms, increased well-being, and a reduction in inflammation. The study, which focused on participants in Montreal, was published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.
Long COVID, a condition where individuals experience symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks after their acute COVID-19 infection, has become a significant public health concern. Approximately 10% to 30% of non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 50% to 70% of hospitalized patients develop long COVID.
While the effects of vaccination on preventing severe disease and hospitalization have been well-documented, little is known about how vaccination after a diagnosis of long COVID impacts patients. In this study, 83 participants who had previously been infected with SARS-CoV-2 and diagnosed with long COVID were followed for up to 24 months after COVID vaccination.
The study’s participants were enrolled between February 12 and September 8, 2021. At the beginning of the study, 44 participants had not received any COVID-19 vaccine, while the remaining 39 had received one or two doses.
Findings from the study demonstrated that after vaccination, there was a significant improvement in the well-being of participants. Approximately 77.8% reported improved well-being scores, while 7.4% reported worsened scores. Moreover, 86% of participants reported experiencing a reduction in long COVID symptoms after vaccination.
One of the notable findings of the study was the significant reduction in levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in participants’ blood samples after vaccination. These molecules are known to be associated with increased severity of acute COVID-19 and a poor prognosis. The decrease in inflammatory proteins suggests that vaccination plays a role in mitigating inflammation, regardless of the number of vaccine doses received.
The study emphasizes the potential benefits of COVID vaccination for individuals with long COVID, including symptom improvement, enhanced well-being, and reduced inflammation. Further research is necessary to better understand the long-term effects of vaccination on long COVID patients and to explore how vaccination can contribute to their overall recovery.
Sources:
– International Journal of Infectious Diseases
– Canadian researchers
– Montreal participants
– SARS-CoV-2
– Acute COVID-19
