Researchers from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg organized a clinical observation involving a man who had received the covid-19 vaccine 217 times within a span of 29 months. The aim was to assess whether repeated vaccination could affect the immune system. The study concluded that such a high number of doses did not disrupt immune functioning. The findings were reported in The Lancet.
The case came to light through media reports about a 62-year-old resident of Magdeburg who stated that he had been vaccinated 217 times over just under three years. He indicated that he pursued repeated vaccination for personal reasons, and he agreed to participate in a scientific evaluation to better understand any potential immunological consequences.
In the study, researchers from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg invited the individual to participate and collect biological samples. Blood and saliva were analyzed, and the participant was administered another vaccine during the trial at his request. The protocol focused on monitoring immune response indicators over time.
Results showed no signs of immune malfunction. Both the activity of T lymphocytes and the presence of memory T cells indicated that the immune system remained capable of recognizing and responding to pathogens. In addition, the most recent coronavirus vaccine administered during the study correlated with a notable rise in antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, suggesting retained or enhanced humoral protection.
Past research had identified rare antibodies with activity against challenging targets, including aspects of the influenza virus that are typically difficult to neutralize. These observations contribute to a broader understanding of how repeated antigen exposure might influence immune repertoire in unusual scenarios.