This project will collect and store blood samples from individuals who have had a COVID-19 vaccination. Samples will be linked to clinical and outcome data. The collection will enable research to identify biomarkers and genetic factors that impact on the risk, severity, complications, longer term health impact of serious adverse events associated with vaccinations.
What is the issue for NSW?
In 2021, the rollout of new COVID-19 vaccines, such as mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines, was accompanied by high profile and novel vaccine adverse reactions that attracted significant media/political attention, negatively impacted public confidence in vaccines and significantly disrupted the Australia’s national COVID-19 vaccine program and vaccine uptake. Why some people experience an adverse reaction and others do not remains unknown.
What does the research aim to do and how?
This project will improve understanding the genomic and biological association underlying serious adverse events associated with vaccination. This information can then be used to tailor vaccination recommendations to individuals to reduce the risk of serious adverse events. The hope is to enable a personalised approach to the use of new vaccines and new vaccine platforms that minimises serious adverse events in the future. This approach it will make it possible for the whole population to be safely vaccinated and will improve vaccine confidence more broadly.