Groundbreaking Vermont research could change how some people receive COVID-19 vaccines

Vermont researchers have discovered COVID-19 vaccines may not have been as effective in some people. As a result of research conducted in the Green Mountain State, changes could be made to COVID immunization administration to help the vaccines better protect some people.

The study conducted by the University of Vermont revealed people who produced fewer antibodies after receiving a COVID vaccine shared specific traits. Among a study sample size of 6,245 people, those who had a reduced immune response and, therefore, reduced protection from the virus, included men, persons over the age of 65, those with higher weight, diabetics, smokers and those with a history of emphysema.

On the other hand, some people had an increased amount of antibody production. Those who received the Moderna vaccine − as opposed to Pfizer − had a slightly better immune response. And, people who had previously had a serious bout of COVID that required hospitalization some time before receiving the vaccination, showed a significantly higher amount of antibody production.

Collecting blood samples from COVID patients from across U.S.

The research took place between February 2021 and August 2022, analyzing twice-vaccinated patients across the U.S. UVM's Larner College of Medicine created a process for blood collection that had participants perform finger sticks and drip blood onto special paper and then mail the sample to Vermont.

“I’m so proud of our lab’s team, especially lead technician Danielle Parent, who developed the methods and training materials to get the dried blood spots from over 20,000 people safely to Vermont, which allowed the study measurements,” said Russell Tracy, director of UVM's Laboratory for Clinical Biochemistry Research, in a statement.

The findings mirrored a study conducted in the U.K. with those receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine that found males, older adults and those with underlying health conditions had decreased protection. The study from UVM, however, broadened the scope and included more ethnically diverse subjects and pre-existing medical conditions.

Improved protection against COVID

This information could lead to changes in vaccination administration to improve protection against the virus.

“Findings suggest the idea of a nuanced approach to vaccination, where certain population segments with weaker immune responses might need more frequent boosters or higher vaccine doses,” said Mary Cushman, UVM's co-director of the Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health.

This isn't the first time Vermont has contributed to groundbreaking research that has helped scientists, the medical community and policy-makers understand COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amended its recommendations regarding "close contact" in October of 2020 after study of transmission between Vermont inmates and a correctional officer. And, even though COVID could be transmitted to pets, Vermont research found that COVID-19 wasn't also being transmitted to wildlife populations.

Contact reporter April Barton at abarton@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1854. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter @aprildbarton.