Presently, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are injected deep into the muscles, which is called intramuscular injection. An alternative type of shot is called subcutaneous injection, where a short needle can inject medication (in this case a COVID vaccine) in the tissue between the muscle and the skin. In experiments done on mice, scientists found that subcutaneous injection of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines might lower the unfavorable post-vaccination impacts, such as fatigue, while still providing similar immune-system reactions.
Some mice got BNT162b2 through intramuscular injection, the current method utilized for human patients, in which the vaccine is injected into the muscles. Other mice got a subcutaneous injection, in which the vaccine is injected into tissue simply under the skin.
According to a new study, switching the administration of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines from intramuscular to subcutaneous injection could ease adverse post-vaccination effects, such as fatigue.
Mouse experiments recommend a switch from intramuscular to subcutaneous injection might ease tiredness.
Presently, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are injected deep into the muscles, which is called intramuscular injection. An alternative type of shot is called subcutaneous injection, where a brief needle can inject medication (in this case a COVID vaccine) in the tissue in between the skin and the muscle. In experiments done on mice, scientists found that subcutaneous injection of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines may minimize the unfavorable post-vaccination results, such as tiredness, while still supplying comparable immune-system actions.
Despite their high efficacy versus SARS-CoV-2, mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines are related to unfavorable post-vaccination impacts, such as fatigue. How can this be prevented?
In a brand-new research study publishing today (May 31st, 2022) in the open-access journal PLOS Biology, Ayesa Syenina of the Duke– NUS Medical School in Singapore and colleagues report that a new analysis of blood samples from people immunized for COVID-19 has actually determined unique molecular qualities linked to an increased likelihood of post-vaccination tiredness. Additionally, experiments in mice suggest that changing the vaccine injection method might possibly relieve such adverse effects.
Unfavorable post-vaccination results might influence individualss determination to get vaccinated or get a booster dosage, obstructing efforts to lower the spread and severity of COVID-19. The molecular foundations of negative post-vaccination results have been unclear.
To enhance understanding, Syenina and coworkers analyzed blood samples from 175 healthcare employees who received BNT162b2, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Particularly, they used the blood samples to analyze a snapshot of each individuals gene expression, or which genes are switched on or off.
This analysis revealed that people who experienced reasonably extreme fatigue after vaccination were most likely to have higher baseline expression of genes associated with the activity of T cells and natural killer cells– 2 key cell enters the human body immune system.
Researchers point to possible technique to lower tiredness after COVID-19 vaccination. Credit: Christine Tham (CC BY 4.0).
The scientists also tested two different vaccination injection strategies in mice. Some mice got BNT162b2 through intramuscular injection, the current approach used for human patients, in which the vaccine is injected into the muscles. Other mice got a subcutaneous injection, in which the vaccine is injected into tissue simply under the skin.
After vaccination, compared to mice that got intramuscular vaccination, mice that received subcutaneous vaccination revealed immune-system actions that are in line with a lower possibility of adverse results such as fatigue. Subcutaneous injection did not appear to jeopardize the protective impacts of vaccination.
Additional research study will be needed to build on these findings and explore their scientific significance. Still, they improve understanding of post-vaccination fatigue and use a possible technique to reduce its possibility.
Coauthor Eng Eong Ooi adds, “This research study offers a first insight into the molecular basis of an adverse effects that many have actually experienced following mRNA vaccination. We hope that this finding would spur more research studies to totally understand the underpinning systems behind vaccine-associated negative effects and jointly contribute to developing a lot more bearable vaccines.”.
Recommendation: “Adverse results following anti– COVID-19 vaccination with mRNA-based BNT162b2 are relieved by altering the path of administration and correlate with baseline enrichment of T and NK cell genes” 31 May 2022, PLOS Biology.DOI: 10.1371/ journal.pbio.3001643.
Funding: This study was supported by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Open Fund-Large Collaborative Grant (OFLCG19May-0034) and Senior Clinician-Scientist Award (MOH-000135-00) to E.E.O, and the Open Fund-Young Investigator Research Grant (MOH-OFIRG18nov-0004) to R.D.A. The funders had no role in research study design, data collection and analysis, choice to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
