Covid: Vaccine protection may be improved by taking a medication break

An important trial will look into how to improve Covid jab protection in individuals whose immune systems have been impaired by medications they need for other health issues.
Methotrexate is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis by about 1.3 million people in the United Kingdom. It reduces flare-ups but may impair the body’s ability to fight infections and respond to immunizations.
The researchers will see if a two-week pharmacological break coincided with vaccinations will be beneficial.
A prior Korean study found that taking a fortnight off methotrexate after receiving the flu vaccine improved the patients’ immunological response. In collaboration with other universities and hospitals, University of Nottingham researchers will recruit 560 methotrexate patients, half of whom will take a two-week respite when their third, or booster, Covid shot is due.
Despite the fact that the Vroom trial will take one to two years to complete, scientists think it will provide some of the most vulnerable patients who are at risk from Covid some peace of mind.
Annabelle Imray, a 48-year-old Nottingham mother, is one of the participants. For her psoriatic arthritis, she takes methotrexate to help with the swollen joints and dry skin. Because of her condition, she gets so weary at times that she has to carefully organise her days.
She shielded earlier this year and claims she’s still being cautious now since she’s afraid of catching Covid.
People on immunosuppressants, according to Prof Abhishek, are more likely to become ill if they contract Covid, as well as being less able to mount the best possible immune response to immunizations against the virus.
“This key study will assist expand our understanding of immunological responses in people taking this commonly prescribed drug,” said Prof Andy Ustianowski of the National Institute for Health Research, which is supporting the research.