A recent study conducted by researchers at Cardiff University has suggested that an individual's mood may influence the effectiveness of vaccines, specifically those developed using mRNA technology, such as the Covid-19 vaccine. The findings, published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, indicate that being in a positive mood could enhance the immune response triggered by the vaccine.
The research involved 184 participants who provided blood samples before receiving their initial dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire that assessed levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and positivity. A follow-up blood sample was taken four weeks after the individuals received their second dose. The results showed that those who reported having a more positive mood displayed antibody levels that were 16% higher when compared to those with the lowest positivity scores.
According to Professor Kavita Vedhara from the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, prior research on traditional vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, has indicated that psychological factors like stress can negatively affect vaccine efficacy, particularly in older adults. “During the pandemic there was some evidence to suggest that these mRNA vaccines offered greater protection than more traditional vaccines. We were interested to know whether, despite their superiority, could psychological factors still influence how well these vaccines worked. This is the first time these relationships have been examined in the context of mRNA vaccines,” she noted.
The study also found that individuals displaying moderate depression exhibited antibody levels that were 18% lower compared to those without depression symptoms. Interestingly, the research did not identify any direct impact of anxiety or stress on the antibody response.
Professor Vedhara commented on the implications of the study, stating, “Although these effects are modest, they are striking because we are seeing these relationships in vaccines that are otherwise very effective and, in particular, in younger adults – who usually respond well to vaccines.” She emphasised the need for further understanding of how mood affects vaccine responses, advocating for the development of strategies to boost mood in individuals prior to vaccinations, in order to enhance immunisation outcomes.
The findings contribute to a growing body of research indicating that psychological factors can play a role in health interventions, potentially aiding those who are most vulnerable to infectious diseases. Vaccines are recognised globally as vital health measures, with evidence suggesting that they save around six lives every minute worldwide. Nonetheless, the study underlines that not all individuals benefit equally from vaccines, calling for continued exploration into how to optimise the effectiveness of immunisations across different populations.
Source: Noah Wire Services