Can physical activity influence the effect of the COVID-19 vaccine on older adults?

Abstract

Studies have shown reductions in the immune response capacity with the aging process (immunosenescence). Lifestyle factors (physical activity and diet) have been investigated as possible adjuvants to improve the effect of vaccines on the immune system in the elderly. The aim of this opinion article is to analyze studies on physical activity and the effect of influenza vaccines in an attempt to suggest that their results can also be found in future studies on physical activity and vaccines against COVID-19. Considering the results of the studies analyzed, it could be suggested that the practice of physical activity improves responses to the influenza vaccine. Thus, it could be assumed that, when transferring these findings to COVID-19, the importance of regular physical activity in the specific elderly population becomes extremely relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Physical Activity and Mortality Due to Covid-19 in the Brazilian Capitals: An Ecological Analysis

“…15 Furthermore, studies show that the effect of the influenza vaccine has more significant protective effects on physically active elderly people, a fact that may also be present in the current pandemic. 16,17 Considering there are very few original studies, mainly in Brazil, that relate physical activity to the worsening of the clinical outcome, hospitalizations and mortality due to COVID-19, as well many points of view that draw attention to the importance of physical activity in the context of the new coronavirus, and also, several studies on physical activity and influenza with data transported to the current pandemic, the present work may expand the initial knowledge about the association between physical activity and Covid-19 contributing to a better understanding on the subject.…”