Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine Booster Reduces the Likelihood of COVID-19 Outcomes in Individuals Primed with Oral Poliovirus Vaccination

Abstract

Introduction: Prior research explores whether seasonal and childhood vaccines mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although there are trials investigating COVID-19 infection in response to the effects of the oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), there has been no prior research assessing COVID-19 outcomes in recently immunized adults with the inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV). Methods: SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptoms were analyzed across a cohort of 282 adults who received an IPV booster. Bivariate and multivariate regression models explored associations among variables related to vaccination histories and COVID-19 outcomes. Results: One year post-IPV inoculation, participants who had never received OPV were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 and experience COVID-19 symptoms, compared to those who had previously received OPV (OR = 3.92, 95%CI 2.22–7.03, p < 0.001; OR = 4.45, 95%CI 2.48–8.17, p < 0.001, respectively). Those who had never received OPV experienced COVID-19 symptoms for 6.17 days longer than participants who had previously received OPV (95%CI 3.68–8.67, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression modeling indicated COVID-19 vaccination did not impact SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 symptoms in this sample of adults who had recently received IPV. Discussion: Findings suggest IPV may boost mucosal immunity among OPV-primed individuals, and COVID-19 vaccination may not provide additional protection among those who had received IPV. Future, larger-scale studies should measure the extent of protective effects against COVID-19 to inform public health policies in resource-deficient settings.