Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine may mot work well on obese persons

 

‎Scientists in Italy claims their research shows that obese people – anyone with a BMI over 30 – may need bigger doses, or another top-up jab, to protect them against Covid-19.


Scientists have warned that the coronavirus vaccine manufactured by Pfizer may be less effective in people who are obese.

Researchers in Italy have said obese people may need bigger doses, or another top-up jab, to protect them against the virus.

They claim this is because compared to healthy people severely overweight healthcare workers generated only half the antibodies to fend off Covid-19 after receiving two doses of the Pfizer jab.

Antibodies are virus-fighting proteins that can stop the coronavirus infection. They are a major part of the immune system but there are other parts too.

See also  181 pupils, staff members test positive for COVID-19 in Lagos school‎

This is a double blow to severely overweight people as they are already considered to be more at risk of becoming critically ill or dying if they contract the virus.

Scientists say this could be down to obese people being more likely to have health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure which makes them more vulnerable.

Obesity is defined as having a BMI above 30.

Experts said it was also well known that it hampers the effectiveness of jabs as previous research has suggested the flu vaccine could be half as effective in severely overweight people.

But the study by Italian scientists is believed to be the first time the same link has been found for the coronavirus vaccine.

See also  How we spent N30.5b on COVID-19 in four months by AGF, Idris

It has been published as a pre-print on medRxiv, and its methodology and findings have yet to be peer-reviewed by fellow scientists.

According to experts, carrying extra weight can lead to the immune system being constantly inflamed which impairs its functions.

In healthy people it only triggers inflammation when the body is fighting an infection.

An estimated third of adults in England and nearly 40 per cent in the US are classed as obese.

A total of 248 participants were given two doses of the Pfizer vaccine at Istituti Fisioterapici Ospitalieri in Rome before scientists analysed their blood for levels of antibodies seven days after they had their second dose.

On average those who were a normal weight had a high concentration (325. while those who were obese had half this level (167.1).‎

See also  New Zealand records first new local Covid-19 cases in 102 days‎

But the study only included 26 obese people – this is too small to make solid conclusions.

More test are needed as there was no significant difference in results between those who were obese and normal weight.

The study also found no significant difference between the different groups.‎

Untitled Document

You can always reach us through these channels

Facebook: https:/www.facebook.com/ancitymedia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ancitymedia

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@ancitymedia

 

Phone Numbers: 07062501185, 09038738731

E-Mail: info@ancity.com.ng, anambracity@gmail.com

Copyright.

This Post: Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine may mot work well on obese persons was approved and published by Ancity Media Editor and may not be republished elsewhere without prior written permission from the Editor.


Comments
Loading...

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More