Impact of Covid Vaccination on Mental Health | 18 Dec 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Some studies have suggested a lower incidence of Mental Health issues among vaccinated individuals compared to the unvaccinated post-Covid-19 infection.

• The additional risk of depression at 6 months following Covid-19 was 449 per 100,000 among vaccinated individuals, while it was 1009 per 100,000 among the unvaccinated.

How Severe was the Issue of Mental Health after Covid-19?

• Anxiety and Depression:
  • Individuals who survived Covid-19 hospitalization faced persistent mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, lasting at least a year post-recovery.
  • Long Covid, affecting about 5% of individuals regardless of its severity, overlaps with these mental health conditions, adding to the burden.
• Increased Burden on Healthcare Systems:
  • The burden of mental health issues post-Covid-19 added strain to healthcare systems, requiring additional resources for diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals facing these challenges.
• Children and Vulnerable Groups Affected:
  • School closures, disrupted routines, and limited social interaction affected children's mental health, leading to increased anxiety and other psychological challenges.
  • Marginalized populations faced compounded challenges due to socioeconomic disparities, leading to increased mental health vulnerabilities.
• Isolation and Grief Amplifying Mental Health Issues:
  • Social isolation, limited access to communication devices, domestic stress, and grief from the loss of friends and relatives to Covid-19 amplified mental health challenges, especially among vulnerable groups like the elderly.

What is the link Between Mental Health and Vaccination?

• Reduction in Mental Health Challenges:
  • The reduction in mental health issues among vaccinated individuals was observed irrespective of whether they had a prior history of mental illness.
  • This suggests that vaccination's impact on mental health outcomes was independent of pre-existing conditions.
• Reduced Anxiety:
  • Vaccination created a sense of safety and decreased anxiety among individuals.
  • Feeling protected against severe illness or death from Covid-19 contributed to lower levels of anxiety and stress associated with the pandemic.