Severe mental disorders and vaccinations - a systematic review

Objectives People with severe mental illnesses (SMI: schizophrenia, depressive disorder, bipolar disorder) have a high risk of being infected by viruses and suffer a more severe infection illness course than the general population. The aim of this literature review was to elucidate rates as well as immunogenicity and side effects of vaccinations in SMI. Methods All studies in the English or German language, which investigated either prevalence rates or effects of vaccinations in the target groups, were systematically searched in the databank PubMed by three independent authors using the PRISMA guidelines and discussed in more detail. Results The search found 24 studies reporting epidemiological data and 16 investigating immunogenicity of vaccinations. The results on prevalence rates, antibody production, inflammation response and side effects were inconsistent. About interactions with psychotropic medication, only two studies on clozapine were found. Conclusions Only a few trials with heterogeneous samples have investigated prevalence and effects of vaccinations in SMI. Sex, age and other factors such as somatic comorbidities and special vaccination programmes have not been considered continuously and may influence rates as well. As individuals with SMI might be at special risk, further research on the willingness to be vaccinated as well as efficacy of vaccinations is needed.