In a groundbreaking new study, the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce hospitalizations and ICU admissions in older adults. The study, conducted in the Netherlands from October to December 2023, evaluated the effectiveness of the XBB.1.5 vaccine in previously vaccinated individuals aged 60 and over.
The research team utilized the screening method to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness among this demographic. Hospitalization data from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) COVID-19 database were analyzed, accounting for approximately 55% of all COVID-19 hospitalizations during the study period.
The results of the study revealed that the XBB.1.5 vaccine demonstrated a VE (vaccine effectiveness) of 70.7% against hospitalization in older adults. Furthermore, the vaccine showed an estimated VE of 73.3% against ICU admissions. Notably, the study found that there were more hospitalizations among those aged 75 and older compared to the 60-74 age group.
While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effectiveness and impact of the XBB.1.5 vaccine, these promising results suggest that it plays a crucial role in reducing severe outcomes of COVID-19 in older adults. The ongoing seasonal vaccination campaign in the Netherlands aims to reach high-risk groups, such as those aged 60 and above.
It should be noted that this study is a preliminary scientific report and has not yet undergone peer review. However, these findings provide valuable insights into the potential of the XBB.1.5 vaccine in protecting older adults from severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID-19.
As the vaccination campaign progresses and more data becomes available, further studies will be conducted to gain a comprehensive understanding of the vaccine’s long-term effectiveness. The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine offers hope in the fight against the pandemic, particularly for vulnerable populations.
*Important notice: Preliminary scientific reports published on medRxiv are not peer-reviewed and should not be regarded as conclusive.
