mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna)

How can the COVID-19 vaccine prevent long-COVID?

The COVID-19 vaccine was developed to protect against an active COVID-19 infection. Although active infections are generally acute, long-COVID can last weeks to months. Patients with long-COVID are theorized to be living in a state of inflammation. COVID-19 sets off a cytokine storm, an immune system overresponse. Although the active infection is now gone, patients are still shedding the virus, resulting in symptoms of “brain fog,” exercise intolerance, and shortness of breath.

Researchers have begun to look at the connection between the COVID-19 vaccine and long-COVID to lessen this symptom burden. For instance, one study’s analysis found that people who got a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before testing positive for COVID had a 35% lower risk of developing long COVID compared with unvaccinated people who got COVID. They found that unvaccinated people who recovered from COVID and then got a vaccine lowered their long-COVID risk by 27% [1].

Can the COVID-19 vaccine treat long-COVID?

For those already diagnosed with long-COVID, several studies have aimed to find if the use of the COVID-19 vaccine can treat already existing long-COVID. One observational study revealed that COVID vaccination, after long COVID was tied to fewer symptoms, increased well-being, and less inflammation [2]. A second study out of the Mayo Clinic looked at 477 patients looking for treatment from long-COVID. The study found that vaccinated patients were less likely to report symptoms, including loss of smell, chest pain, dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, tremors, and weakness. There was no significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in reports of fatigue, muscle pain, tachycardia, or irregular heartbeat.

Additionally, at least one dose post-vaccination, several articles showed an improvement in long-COVID symptoms after at least one dose. At the same time, four studies reported no change or worsening in long-COVID symptoms after vaccination [3].

Overall, there is substantial evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine may be helpful in preventing and treating long-term COVID. Although the vaccine is not currently indicated for this purpose, additional research may help solidify its use for this condition.

References:

¹https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/vaccination-may-protect-against-long-covid

²https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/covid-vaccination-after-long-covid-may-be-linked-better-outcomes#:~:text=A%20new%20observational%20study%20from,International%20Journal%20of%20Infectious%20Diseases

 ³https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00354-6/fulltext