Perfil clínico, laboratorial e epidemiológico de adolescentes e adultos jovens vacinados contra SARS-Cov-2 na Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the greatest tragedies in history, being one of the leading causes of death in the world in recent times. Although mortality in the age group of adolescents and young adults is relatively lower than in the adult and elderly population, the impacts on the lives of these individuals were diverse. Vaccines are the main instrument for preventing Covid-19, and are currently the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus and the severe forms of the disease. However, vaccination coverage is still not considered satisfactory and little is known about vaccine responses and repercussions in this population, especially in the long term. This observational, longitudinal and uncontrolled study had the primary objective of evaluating the vaccine response, based on the incidence of Covid-19 cases, in adolescents and young adults vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The clinical, laboratory and epidemiological profiles of this population were also evaluated, as well as the immune response after the primary vaccination schedule and adverse vaccine reactions. The study population consists of 699 participants between 12 and 24 years of age, who spontaneously sought the UERJ vaccination center, from February 18, 2021 to August 25, 2022. Participants received two doses of vaccines and were evaluated clinically, through questionnaires, and laboratory, at 4 different times, up to 90 days after the second dose of the vaccine. There were 215 cases (30.8%) of Covid-19 throughout the study, most before the first dose of the vaccine (26.15%). After the first dose of the vaccine, there were 23 cases (8.91%) of the disease. There were no serious cases or need for hospitalization due to the disease. The reactions and adverse effects of the vaccines were mostly mild, with no moderate or severe reactions being observed. Serological analysis showed that IgG protein S levels were significantly higher in participants who had Covid-19 before the study, at baseline and after the first dose of the vaccine. However, after completion of the primary vaccination schedule, similar levels of IgG protein S were identified among participants who had and did not have Covid-19. These findings suggest that vaccination, in addition to being safe, has an impact on the incidence and morbidity and mortality of the disease, and reinforce the importance of completing the vaccination schedule to achieve higher levels of protection. However, more research and clinical trials are still needed to explore its efficacy, immunogenicity, and long-term safety. Thus, the need for public policies that guarantee access to vaccination for the entire population is reiterated, in addition to raising awareness and combating misinformation, ensuring the expansion of vaccination coverage