Three small studies in Italy have indicated that COVID-19 vaccines are less effective in people with weakened immune systems, Reuters news agency reported on Monday.
According to the studies' researchers, this highlights the need to deploy booster shots for this group of vulnerable people.
The Bambino Gesu Hospital in Rome, which conducted the three small studies, stated that the studies revealed that, on average, 30% of immunocompromised patients do not develop immunity to COVID-19 after vaccination.
The remaining 70% respond to the vaccine, especially after the second dose, but to a lesser extent than healthy people and with differences from group to group.
These studies were conducted among a group of 21 patients with primary immunodeficiency disease, 34 children and young adults undergoing heart and lung transplants, along with 45 young people with liver and kidney transplants.
According to the hospital, the results indicate the need to increase the level of protection of the most vulnerable with booster doses.
Currently, there is no consensus among scientists on how widely boosters should be deployed, Reuters added.
AstraZeneca launches Phase III THARROS trial for BREZTRI in COPD to assess cardiopulmonary outcomes
Merck finalises acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics Inc
Pfizer reveals strong efficacy data for ABRYSVO in older adults against RSV
Nuvalent's NVL-520 receives FDA breakthrough therapy designation
Dassault Systèmes enhances patient care with virtual twin experience at Paris hospital
Pulmonx initiates CONVERT II trial for AeriSeal System in COPD treatment
Priority Review of Dupixent underway by FDA for COPD treatment
AstraZeneca boosts vaccine portfolio with acquisition of Icosavax
AstraZeneca reports positive resultsfor Tagrisso in Stage III lung cancer trial
AstraZeneca announces US acceptance of BLA for datopotamab deruxtecan to treat lung cancer
Erasca agrees clinical trial deal with Novartis to study naporafenib in combination with trametinib
FDA accepts Bristol Myers Squibb's Augtyro application for Priority Review