Exercise after influenza or COVID-19 vaccination increases serum antibody without an increase in side effects

Vaccination is an effective public health measure, yet vaccine efficacy varies across different populations. Adjuvants improve vaccine efficacy but often increase reactogenicity. An unconventional behavioral adjuvant is physical exercise at the time of vaccination. Here, in separate experiments, we examined the effect of 90-minute light-to moderate-intensity cycle ergometer or outdoor walk/jog aerobic exercise performed once after immunization on serum antibody response to three different vaccines (2009 pandemic influenza H1N1, seasonal influenza, and COVID-19). Exercise took place after influenza vaccination or after the first dose of PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. A mouse model of influenza A immunization was used to examine the effect of exercise on antibody response and the role of IFN alpha as a potential mechanism by treating mice with anti-IFN alpha antibody. The results show that 90 min of exercise consistently increased serum antibody to each vaccine four weeks post-immunization, and IFN alpha may partially contribute to the exercise-related benefit. Exercise did not increase side effects after the COVID-19 vaccination. These findings suggest that adults who exercise regularly may increase antibody response to influenza or COVID-19 vaccine by performing a single session of light-to moderate-intensity exercise post-immunization.

Automated summary

Exercise can enhance antibody response to influenza and COVID-19 vaccines in adults, without increasing side effects. The study shows that 90 minutes of light-to-moderate-intensity exercise can consistently increase serum antibody levels four weeks after immunization.