COVID-19 vaccine uptake higher in people with mental illness but drops for those not on medication

Despite high overall vaccination rates, unmedicated individuals with mental illness show significantly lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake, signaling the need for targeted health interventions. Study: Mental illness and COVID-19 vaccination: a multinational investigation of observational & register-based data In a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications , researchers determined the relationship between mental disorders and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination uptake. They also explored differences in the relationship by mental disorder type, severity, and medication status.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) led to unprecedented morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the widespread distribution of effective COVID-19 vaccines internationally, vaccine hesitancy and rejection remain considerable. Achieving high vaccination coverage is critical for combating the pandemic.

High-risk individuals, such as those suffering from mental illnesses, are more likely to get severe COVID-19 and die. However, research on COVID-19 vaccination uptake has had mixed outcomes. For example, individuals with substance use disorders and schizophrenia are known to have lower uptake, but depression and anxiety have higher rates.

Furthermore, the use of anxiolytics, hypnotics, or antipsychotics is associated with decreased vaccination uptake. About the study In the present observational and registry-based study, researchers evaluated the impa.