Prospective monitoring of antibody response following COVID-19 vaccination in people with Down syndrome (PRIDE study)

The immune system in adults and children with Down syndrome functions less well. This puts them at higher risk of complications from a COVID-19 infection. It is therefore important for them that they are optimally protected by vaccination. It has not yet been investigated whether the reduced functioning of the immune system also affects the effectiveness of vaccinations against COVID-19. This study aims to assess the immune response and side effects in people with Down syndrome after administration of vaccination against COVID-19. Goal To assess the immune response and side effects after administration of vaccination against COVID-19 in adults and children with Down syndrome. Background People with Down syndrome have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the new coronavirus. They will therefore be among the first to be vaccinated against the coronavirus. Previous research shows that vaccinations work less well in people with Down syndrome. The PRIDE study examines whether the corona vaccine provides sufficient protection for adults and children with Down syndrome. Research design The immune response is examined by taking blood samples and taking nasal mucus around the vaccinations and one year after the second vaccination. The results will be compared with people without Down syndrome. Since the end of June, children have also been allowed to participate in the study. First results The first results of the PRIDE study were published on November 17, 2021 . The research shows that adults with Down syndrome, after vaccination with Moderna or Pfizer, have a lower concentration of neutralizing antibodies against COVID-19 than people without Down syndrome. After vaccination with AstraZeneca, there are no differences between the two groups. The question remains what exactly these results say about protection against disease. The minimum concentration of neutralizing antibodies required for this has not yet been determined. For people with Down syndrome, data on the cellular response, which is also important for protection, is not yet available.