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Local and systemic reactogenicity after mRNA and protein-based COVID-19 vaccines compared to meningococcal vaccine
Anthony M Marchese1, Hadi Beyhaghi1, Matthew D Rousculp1
1Novavax, Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
Abstract:
Reactogenicity, the occurrence of vaccine side effects, can impact vaccine acceptance. There is limited data comparing the reactogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines to other routinely used vaccines, such as the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). In a trial of UK adults, participants received a third COVID-19 vaccine dose (NVX-CoV2373, BNT162b2, or mRNA1273) alongside MenACWY as an active control. Compared to MenACWY, we found that mRNA vaccines, particularly mRNA1273, showed the greatest relative increase in side effects, while protein-based NVX-CoV2373 generally elicited similar reactogenicity to MenACWY. These findings suggest that platform type can influence vaccine reactogenicity, and further research is needed to compare COVID-19 vaccines with other routinely administered vaccines.
Insights
COVID-19 vaccines, especially mRNA types, showed more side effects than the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). Protein-based NVX-CoV2373 had similar reactogenicity to MenACWY, highlighting platform differences in vaccine side effects.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Vaccine reactogenicity, or side effect occurrence, influences vaccine acceptance.
- Limited comparative data exists between COVID-19 vaccines and routine vaccines like meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY).
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the reactogenicity of different COVID-19 vaccine platforms (protein-based NVX-CoV2373, mRNA BNT162b2, mRNA1273) against the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY) in UK adults.
Main Methods:
- A clinical trial involving UK adults receiving a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or MenACWY as an active control.
- Systematic monitoring and comparison of reported vaccine side effects (reactogenicity) between vaccine groups.
Main Results:
- mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, particularly mRNA1273, demonstrated a higher relative increase in side effects compared to MenACWY.
- The protein-based NVX-CoV2373 vaccine showed reactogenicity profiles generally similar to MenACWY.
Conclusions:
- Vaccine platform type significantly influences reactogenicity.
- Further research is warranted to comprehensively compare COVID-19 vaccines with other routinely administered vaccines regarding their side effect profiles.
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