Defining the immune cells in COVID-19 that correlate with disease severity

The project uses advanced multi-parameter analyzes to follow immunity and disease in COVID-19 patients and in healthy or post-vaccination patients. During 2021, we have published articles describing serious side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine published in NEJM and EHJ. The project has made it possible for us to initiate a number of activities and obtain additional funds, including the first project from the international vaccine alliance CEPI for a Norwegian group, an observational study, an interventional vaccine study (2021-003618-37) and further follow-up of patients with severe venous thrombosis after covid-19 vaccination in Norway. We will publish a number of articles defining cellular responses to corona vaccines in immunocompromised individuals, we are now monitoring immune responses from the third and fourth revaccination of high-risk groups. We compare immune responses against the wild-type, alpha and delta variants of the coronavirus. We also analyze cellular immune responses of family members participating in the household study where FHI researchers recruit participants from families where one or more have developed covid-19 disease. We measure the levels of protective cellular immune responses in vaccinated healthcare workers and immunocompromised patients. The results have been reported to the Institute of Public Health, the Directorate of Health and have helped the government to make decisions. The project continues within the framework of the CEPI project and other funding.