What Is Therapeutic Vaccination?
Therapeutic vaccination refers to getting a COVID-19 vaccine after developing Long COVID. In this case, the vaccine is used not just to prevent reinfection, but as a potential treatment to improve symptoms like fatigue, brain fog and shortness of breath.
Why Vaccines Might Help for Long COVID
- Therapeutic vaccines may help with Long COVID by stimulating the immune system to clear out leftover virus or spike protein, modulate abnormal immune activity, and reduce inflammation, including in the nervous system.
What the Literature says
Systematic reviews and clinical studies suggest that getting vaccinated before COVID-19 infection can reduce the risk of developing Long COVID. For people already living with Long COVID, the effects of vaccination appear mixed—some report symptom improvements, especially in fatigue, brain fog, and smell loss, while others notice little change or temporary worsening.
Key Studies on Therapeutic Vaccination for Long COVID
Studies showing positive and mixed results:
- This international survey surveyed 812 Long COVID patients. 58% reported symptom improvement post-vaccination, 18% reported symptom worsening (usually temporary), and mRNA vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer) were most helpful.
- This follow-up study followed 1,236 individuals with prior COVID. It found more persistent symptoms in vaccinated patients and raised questions about immune modulation or other confounders.
- This cohort study tracked 83 Long COVID patients after vaccination. Symptom count dropped from 6.56 to 3.92. Improvements were seen in mental well-being and reduced inflammation (IL-1β, MIP-1α, sCD40L), though viral spike protein was still detected in immune cells post-vaccine.
Systematic reviews:
- This systematic review included 17 studies with over 257,000 participants. Vaccination before infection significantly reduced Long COVID risk. In people with Long COVID, results were mixed: some improved, most had no change.
- This systematic review reviewed 17 studies, including people already with Long COVID. 7 studies showed improvement in symptoms after vaccination, while 4 studies showed no benefit or slight worsening.
- This systematic review included 16 observational studies (614,000+ patients). 10 of 12 studies showed that pre-infection vaccination reduced the risk of Long COVID. 5 studies evaluated vaccination after Long COVID onset, suggesting potential benefit. Common improved symptoms included fatigue, brain fog, and smell loss.
Final Thoughts
Therapeutic vaccination shows is shown to have a positive effect on some people, however, response varies. It may help some people but not others. As of now, results are contradictory and there is a need for more studies to confirm the effects. A medical professional is necessary to oversee vaccination for therapeutic purposes.