Vaccination and patients with long-term symptoms

30/03/2021

There are a number of patients with COVID-19 who develop long-term symptoms after infection with SARS-CoV-2,
for which the term "Long COVID" has begun to be used. The symptoms vary, but the most common are fatigue,
shortness of breath, myalgia, and insomnia.


In addition to the question of whether to vaccinate people who have been infected with COVID-19, there is concern
about whether it is advisable to vaccinate people suffering from "Long COVID" or whether this could make their
situation worse. There are reports that state that, in some cases, vaccination would have achieved significant
improvements and a decrease in these symptoms.


A study was conducted with 44 participants suffering from "Long COVID," 82% of whom had symptoms that had
persisted for as long as eight months. Half of the participants were vaccinated and were evaluated for a period of 32
days following vaccination, and were then compared with the control group. The study concluded that there was no
negative effect on the symptoms and quality of life of participants who received the mRNA or adenoviral vaccine,
and there had even been an improvement. Although the sample size was small, the results are of interest, and may
indicate that people with "Long COVID" could be vaccinated.


Source: Arnold DT, Milne A, Samms E, Stadon L, Maskell NA, Hamilton FW. Are vaccines safe in patients with Long
COVID? A prospective observational cohort study. MedRxiv 21253225. 3/11/2021.

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