Vaccination against Covid-19 it is one of the most recurring issues in recent months, as it was urgently expected to reduce infections, as well as alleviate the effects caused by the health crisis. But, Can exercise influence our body’s response to the vaccine? Specifically, there is no evidence on the Covid-19 vaccine, but there is scientific literature on the interrelationship between exercise and vaccination.
In 2019, Australian researchers published an interesting review on the factors influencing the immune response to vaccination, but noted that there are still not enough studies that can confirm the specific effects of exercise on vaccination processes, But they did include several investigations that had shown some influence (Zimmermann and Curtis, 2019). Other researchers, in 2014, published a review in which they concluded that “exposure to acute or chronic exercise significantly increases the immune response to vaccination.” (Pascoe et al. 2014). But under what conditions has this relationship been studied?
In a small sample of 22 triathletes vaccines were administered with tetanus and diphtheria toxoid and purified pneumococcal polysaccharide after an ironman. The results were compared with other triathletes who had not performed ironman, and in moderately trained men. Although the group that was vaccinated after the ironman revealed a significantly lower skin test response to tetanus antigen and a smaller cumulative response, no differences in antibodies were found between the three groups. The authors conclude that, although cell-mediated immunity live was affected in the first days after prolonged high-intensity exercise, there was no deterioration in antibody production in the two weeks after vaccination (Bruunsgaard et al., 1997).
Studies with the flu vaccine
Another study investigated what happened to men and women if they performed 45 minutes of exercise prior to being given the flu vaccine. Women who performed pre-exercise showed higher antibody levels at 4 and 20 weeks (Edwards et al., 2006). Another study explored the response to the flu vaccine if, 6 hours earlier, eccentric contractions of the deltoid muscles and brachial biceps of the non-dominant arm were performed. Interestingly, “the eccentric exercise had differential effects on the response to vaccination in men and women, with improved antibody response in women, but improved cell-mediated response in men “ (Edwards et al., 2006).
A more recent study, consisting of two studies, evaluated the effect of one short exercise session prior to vaccination in relation to adverse effects. Participants completed a diary during the seven days following vaccination. Exercise groups reported fewer days of bloating, fever, and decreased appetite in both sexes (Lee et al., 2018).
But beyond how it could influence the physical practice immediately prior to vaccination, other researchers have questioned whether active lifestyles have benefits. In this regard, Kohut and colleagues at Iowa State University in the United States analyzed the physical activity levels of a cohort of people aged 62 and over who were vaccinated against the flu , concluding that “the practice of vigorous and regular exercise was associated with an enhanced immune response after vaccination” (Kohut et al., 2002).
Although all of this seems to suggest that exercise may be beneficial in boosting the vaccine’s immune response, there is still no evidence to indicate what type and at what dose. With what we know, and appealing to prudence, from the General Council of Physical and Sports Education, Both before and after the administration of a vaccine, the physical practice that is carried out must be adapted to the person’s physical condition, avoiding high-intensity efforts that could depress and / or alter the immune system. For any questions on how to adapt physical sports activities in the days before and after vaccination, consult a sports physical educator (Professional with a degree or degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences and a member).