By Emilio Parodi

MILAN (Reuters – COVID-19 vaccinations have a lower effectiveness on those with weakened immune systems. Three small Italian studies suggest this. The findings, according to the researchers, highlight the necessity of deploying booster shots for these vulnerable individuals.

According to studies, the average 30% of immunocompromised people do not acquire immunity after being vaccinated.

70% responded, particularly after the second dose. But, it was less than the healthy population and showed differences among groups, according to the Bambino Gesu Hospital of Rome. The three studies were conducted on Monday.

These studies included 21 patients suffering from primary immunodeficiency, as well as 34 young adults and children undergoing heart or lung transplants.

According to the hospital, these results show the need for booster doses to improve protection for the most vulnerable.

Professor Paolo Palma is the head of vaccinology and clinical immunology at Bambino Gesu. “Our studies have shown that protecting the vulnerable categories of patients with HIV/AIDS requires the administration of the third vaccine dose, calibrating vaccine dosages and utilizing adjuvanted vaccines to boost their immune responses to the virus over time,” he said.

This news comes as the European Medicines Agency will announce Monday whether it recommends a third dose.

Science is divided on where boosters should spread. While the United States and Britain have developed booster programmes, Israel is currently administering additional shots to all of its citizens.

All three studies analysed the serological and cellular responses to the vaccine. These indicate the levels of antibodies found in the blood.

The data were then compared to those from healthy control subjects who had received COVID vaccine during the same time period.