Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Psychological and Behavioral Determinants of Vaccine Efficacy: Insights from SARS-CoV-2 and Implications for Future Pandemics

Document Type : Letter to Editor

Authors

Amir Sasan Mozaffari Nejad 1, 2, 3
Ariyo Shahin Jafari 4
Ahmed S Abdel-Moneim 5
Hakime Karami 6
Behrooz Ataei 2
Sara Mohammed Ali 7

1 Bio Environmental Health Hazards Research Center, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran

2 Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) JMU Office, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran

4 Department of Medical Parasitology and Virology, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia

5 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

6 Information System and Technology Management, College of Technological Innovation, Zayed University, Dubai, UAE

7 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE

https://doi.org/10.34172/jkmu.4195
Abstract
Despite widespread vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate in waves, highlighting the need to better understand the multifactorial determinants of vaccine efficacy. Beyond its immediate health impact, the pandemic has intensified skepticism toward vaccines – a phenomenon with historical precedent dating back to Edward Jenner (1). Current hesitancy often arises from adverse effects, the accelerated pace of vaccine development, competition among pharmaceutical companies, and the proliferation of misinformation. While some concerns are evidence-based, many reflect perceived opacity from developers and political influence, as well as rumors.
We hypothesize that negative attitudes toward vaccination may directly compromise immune responses. Psychological stress, anxiety, and depression can alter the neuroimmune axis, reducing both cellular and humoral immunity. This may partly explain suboptimal vaccine responses during COVID-19 and could influence outcomes in future pandemics.

Keywords

COVID-19
Vaccination
Vaccine Efficacy
SARS-CoV-2
Immune Response
Future Pandemics
Subjects
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Journal of Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Volume 33
Pages 1-3

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