THL conducts a multiannual study on the immune response to coronavirus vaccines
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) conducts a multiannual study to determine the type of immune defence reaction, or immune response, that can be achieved with different coronavirus vaccines. The study also examines how immunity is affected by various combinations of coronavirus vaccines and by the length of the interval between vaccine doses and the number of doses received.
Formation and preservation of immunity are monitored through antibody studies. In addition, cell-mediated immunity is studied. The study also assesses the need and effects of booster vaccination in different age groups, people who have recovered from the COVID-19 disease, different risk groups, and in connection with different pre-existing conditions.
"Research data are also needed to implement the best possible coronavirus vaccination programme. This study complements the register monitoring of the effects of vaccines and ensures that decision makers have access to nationally relevant and timely information on the effects of vaccines”, says Research Manager Arto Palmu.
Research subjects receive a written letter of invitation
The persons invited to the study are selected by random sampling on the basis of vaccination data from the vaccination register and the Infectious Diseases Register. This ensures that participants represent the group under investigation. The aim is to involve a maximum of 4,000 people in the study.
The invitation to the study is sent by letter and is personal. Participation in the study is voluntary, and the research subjects will be requested to give written consent.
The study does not include vaccinations, but assesses the effects of coronavirus vaccines administered as part of the coronavirus vaccination programme. The study includes several study visits in which a blood sample is taken from the subject. The subjects will also be informed if antibodies are found in the samples they provide.
Research samples are mainly taken at university hospital laboratory centres. Based on random sampling, some subjects are invited to a THL sample collection laboratory where a blood sample is taken to also examine cell-mediated immune response.
The study will begin in November 2021 and end no later than at the end of 2026. The study is funded by THL, which can apply for external, non-commercial funding for the implementation of the study.
Further information
Immune responses of coronavirus vaccines in Finland
(THL)
Coronavirus – latest updates
(THL)
Arto Palmu
Research Manager
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7910
[email protected]
Merit Melin
Research Manager
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8903
[email protected]
