Vaccination for SARS-CoV-2: a review

ABSTRACT

The present overview describes the various vaccines in use to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Their action is based on the natural defense mechanisms of the human body against viral infections. The effectiveness of the vaccines is described and details of the cellular and humoral immune response as measured following infection and following vaccination are reported. The immune response is waning in time. Side effects of vaccination exist, but are minor when compared to COVID-19 disease itself. Due to waning of the antiviral immunity and the continuing emergence of virus variants, regular repeat vaccinations and the development of stronger vaccines, ideally with coverage of an extended antigen spectrum, seem necessary. Copyright © 2022 Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde en Gezondheidszorg. All rights reserved.