Psychological burdens from stress to loneliness to lack of sleep have been shown to affect immune responses to other vaccinations

Sleep well. Take time out to relax. Connect with your friends and family. Such things would be advisable at any time – but might it be especially important in the coming months. According to a growing body of evidence, our psychological state can shape the immune system’s reaction to a new vaccine – including the development of protective antibodies that will help us to fend off infection.

We already know that physical factors, such as the body mass index, can have an immediate effect on vaccine efficacy. In late February, for instance, a study of Italian healthcare workers found that obesity blunted the antibody response to the Pfizer/BioNTech jab. But based on our understanding of various vaccines for other diseases, it seems clear that our mental health and overall stress levels will also play an important role. “There’s quite a spectrum of opinion as to what things may help or harm the immune system,” says Prof Daniel Davis, an immunologist at the University of Manchester. “But most scientists would agree that stress has an effect.”

Continue reading…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Rafael Benítez urges Everton’s brightest young talents to commit futures to club

Forward Lewis Dobbin’s contract talks have stalled Thierry Small departed for Southampton…

Sling a hammock, go on a home retreat: how to satisfy your lockdown wanderlust

Holidays may still feel a long way away but you can calm…

Harry and Meghan push back at claim Queen not consulted on Lilibet name

BBC correspondent says ‘good palace source’ claims Sussexes did not ask for…