Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Bonkat, N.
Vaccines in individuals with severe mental disorders
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2022. pp. 86
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Fellendorf Frederike
- Reininghaus Eva
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background: Individuals with severe mental disorders (SMI) are at an increased risk of an infection with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as well as a more severe illness course. It is, therefore, important that individuals in this high-risk group are protected against the infection with a vaccination. Methods: As little information on the COVID-19 vaccine in individuals with SMI existed at the time of researching in January 2021, a literature review of the database Pubmed using the keywords “vaccin* AND (depress* OR schizophrenia OR bipolar OR mania)” was conducted to find data on vaccines in general in these individuals. Studies in English or German language, which investigated either the prevalence rates, effects, and side effects of vaccines in individuals with SMI, as well as interactions between psychopharmaceuticals and vaccines, were included. In addition, an online survey was conducted from April to May 2021 at the Medical University of Graz, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, to investigate the willingness of individuals with affective disorders (AD) to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The literature review found 42 relevant articles, of which 23 studies investigated vaccine prevalence rates or willingness to be vaccinated and 17 studies reported data on immunogenicity and side effects of vaccines in individuals with SMI. The results of these studies were inconsistent. Additionally, two studies which investigated the interactions between the antipsychotic clozapine and different vaccines were found. Data from 118 participants of the survey study, of which half suffered from AD and half were healthy controls (HC), showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Discussion: In addition to the varying results, the studies also differed in the study design and population, as well as the vaccine types and psychiatric disorders they investigated. Most studies investigated the influenza vaccine in individuals with depression or depressive symptoms. Due to these inconsistent results further research on this important topic is necessary. Fortunately, the survey study found that individuals with AD were as willing as HC to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Special vaccination programs might be beneficial in helping individuals with mental disorders, such as AD, overcome further barriers that prevent them from getting a vaccination and, therefore, achieve a sufficient vaccine coverage in this high-risk group.