DO PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IMPACT the EFFECTIVENESS OF COVID 19 VACCINES, as well as SIDE EFFECTS?
DO PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS IMPACT the EFFECTIVENESS OF COVID 19 VACCINES, as well as SIDE EFFECTS?
Two recent blogs have summarized how effective the two earliest vaccines are against COVID 19, both in terms of the clinical studies to establish their efficacy, as well as using the experience in Israel as a real-world case study. In addition to the biological factors involved in vaccine efficacy, there are also psychological factors that impact the efficacy of the vaccine, in addition to more immediate side effects from the injections (google.com/mail/u/2/?tab=km#label/IPN+Blog/FMfcgxwLsSZgQxNgHZkdlljsgTXcPHpk).
How our immune system respond to vaccinations have been a subject of study since the early 1990’s. The following psychological factors have an impact on vaccine efficacy as well as side effects:
- “Stress
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Poor health behaviors.”
The impact of these factors may be greatest in the elderly, an age group more vulnerable to the ravages of COVID 19. The issues listed above also impact an individual’s susceptibility to infection, along with someone’s willingness to be vaccinated. “Poor health behaviors” include such concerns as lack of exercise, sleep hygiene, nutrition, substance use/abuse.
Therapy, as provided by IPN members, can directly address all of these concerns, with professional commitment and caring.
Alan M. Solomon, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Torrance, CA. A member of the Independent Psychotherapy Network, he can be reached at 310 539-2772 or dralanms@gmail.com. Telehealth sessions are available.
Copyright 2021 by Alan M. Solomon, Ph.D.
