COPVAY: COVID-19 disease in vaccinated immunocompromised patients [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
COVID-19 disease post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in immunocompromised patients – a prospective cohort study
IRAS ID
295987
Contact name
Vivak Parkash
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The introduction of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the UK is a pivotal moment in our attempts to control the UK COVID-19 epidemic. Currently three vaccines have received MHRA approval and two of these are currently being rolled out across the UK. Both vaccines give high levels of protection, although cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the active vaccine arm of the trial were reported with both vaccines.
The recent description of SARS-CoV-2 variants has led to concerns that the virus may evolve to become resistant to COVID-19 vaccines, and become transmissible at a community level. Some early data suggests that some variants may demonstrate increased transmissibility, viral replication, and evasion of immune defences. There is also some evidence that vaccines may demonstrate reduced activity against some variants. Given these phenomena, additional booster doses of vaccine have been mooted as a means to overcome these challenges.
The discussion of prolonged COVID-19 infections in immunocompromised hosts leading to development of variants is particularly important. It has been noted that treatment of these patients with convalescent plasma, as part of treatment trials, may lead to development of variants. As demonstrated by national shielding guidance, immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of adverse outcomes from COVID-19 disease, and may be more susceptible to transmission. The recent of identification immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 disease post-vaccination in Yorkshire has alerted research networks to the importance of monitoring and recording such cases. This study therefore serves to establish surveillance within Yorkshire to capture and record standardised information concerning cases of COVID-19 in such patients and to ensure appropriate investigations are carried out. Depending upon the outcomes of the study, the data may be used to support further work with the aim of ensuring vaccine coverage and supporting any change in vaccination strategy.
REC name
London - Brighton & Sussex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/HRA/0775
Date of REC Opinion
8 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion