Vaccination in individuals with Down syndrome: immune vulnerability, safety, efficacy and opportunities

npj Vaccines 2026 Open access

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Authors: Bernard Khor, Noemi Alice Spinazzi, Lina Patel, Erika Chelales, Nicole Baumer, Peter Bulova, Brian Chicoine, Arturo Borzutzky, Hana M. El Sahly, Joaquin Espinosa, Melissa D. Gans, Andrew A. McCormick
+6 more Rebecca Partridge, Eric Rubenstein, Jonathan D. Santoro, Cate Speake, Juanita Valdes Camacho, Kishore Vellody
DOI: 10.1038/s41541-026-01489-7
Cited by: 1
References: 104

Abstract

Although individuals with Down syndrome (DS) remain highly vulnerable to severe infections, vaccination remains underutilized. Here we review, specific to people with DS, the safety and efficacy of vaccination, drivers of susceptibility to infection, and existing and emerging opportunities to improve vaccine response. We find that vaccines are generally safe and immunogenic in individuals with DS, although continued research is essential to improve vaccine efficacy and health outcomes.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Down syndrome and intellectual disability research Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy Immune responses and vaccinations

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Vaccines
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
11
Issue
1
Publication date
19 May 2026
Language
EN