Recent developments in SARS-CoV-2 vaccines: A systematic review of the current studies

Designing and manufacturing efficient vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major objective. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the most important vaccines under construction worldwide, their efficiencies and clinical results in healthy individuals and in those with specific underlying diseases. We conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Sciences by 1 December 2021 to identify published research studies. The inclusion criteria were publications that evaluated the immune responses and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in healthy individuals and in those with pre-existing diseases. We also searched the VAERS database to estimate the incidence of adverse events of special interest (AESI) post COVID-19 vaccination. Almost all investigated vaccines were well tolerated and developed good levels of both humoural and cellular responses. A protective and efficient humoural immune response develops after the second or third dose of vaccine and a longer interval (about 28 days) between the first and second injections of vaccine could induce higher antibody responses. The vaccines were less immunogenic in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with haematological malignancies. In addition, we found that venous and arterial thrombotic events, Bell's palsy, and myocarditis/pericarditis were the most common AESI. The results showed the potency of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines to protect subjects against disease. The provision of further effective and safe vaccines is necessary in order to reach a high coverage of immunisation programs across the globe and to provide protection against infection itself.

Automated summary

This study systematically reviews the construction and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines globally, focusing on their effectiveness in healthy individuals and those with pre-existing diseases. The results show that almost all investigated vaccines are well tolerated and induce good immune responses. A longer interval between doses and the number of doses administered are crucial for optimal antibody response. Immunocompromised patients have lower immunogenicity to the vaccines. Adverse events of interest include thrombotic events, Bell's palsy, and myocarditis/pericarditis. The findings emphasize the potency and importance of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing the disease.