Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is effective at reducing mortality and morbidity of COVID-19. Obesity can decrease the probability of intramuscular vaccine delivery due to increased thickness of the subcutaneous tissue at the deltoid vaccination site. New Zealand vaccination guidelines provide non-specific advice for needle length selection, stating that a 38mm should be selected for a “very large or obese person”. As clinical judgement must be used for these instructions, interpretation likely varies between vaccinators. It is currently unknown whether intramuscular delivery of COVID-19 vaccines is essential to achieve full therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, reactogenicity is significantly lower for IM vaccination compared with SC delivery for almost all IM vaccines. Concern regarding adverse events following immunisations results in vaccine hesitancy and refusal, therefore inadvertent SC delivery may lead to vaccine avoidant behaviour. This proposed study will compare immunogenicity and reactogenicity of IM and SC COVID-19 vaccination.
A randomised controlled trial of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of subcutaneous (SC) vs intramuscular (IM) administration of COVID-19 vaccination in community pharmacies in Aotearoa New Zealand
PhD Scholarship
MELEMAFI PORTER
Principal Investigator
Melemafi Porter
Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ)
Project Timeframe/Status
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In Process
Whakarāpopoto Rangahau Summary of Research
Te Hiranga a Rangahau Research Impact
The overall aim of this research is to compare subcutaneous and intramuscular delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and identify differences in immunogenicity and reactogenicity.
Objectives:
- Assess if there is a relationship between anti-spike IgG antibody response with IM vs SM vaccination administration.
- Assess if vaccination delivery method affects waning of IgG antibodies at 105 days post vaccination.
- Identify if subcutaneous or intramuscular vaccination lead to increased reactogenicity.
- Assess adverse events within 28 days.
- Determine which methods/models are best used to increase Pacific people's engagement and involvement in study.
- Develop research capacity for pharmacists to ensure a network of embedded community research hubs across Aotearoa.
As this project will identify if one vaccination delivery method provides a more favourable response, findings will be disseminated in international journals, with immunisation advisory centre, Health New Zealand and the Ministry of Health to ensure vaccination guidelines can lead to best possible outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Kairangahau Research Personnel
Dr Gabby Shortt
Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) | Primary Supervisor
Alex Semprini
Medical Research Institute of New Zealand (MRINZ) | Primary Supervisor
Anne La Flamme
School of Biological Sciences - Victoria University of Wellington | Supervisor
Helen Woolner
School of Biological Sciences - Victoria University of Wellington | Supervisor