Pediatrics

Children with cancer mount immune response to COVID-19 vaccine

August 12, 2025

Study details: A prospective cohort study evaluated 113 children/adolescents with solid or hematologic cancers (most on current/recent chemotherapy) receiving 2 to 3 doses of COVID-19 BNT162b2 vaccination. Serial sampling was performed at baseline, post–dose 1, and 1 and 3 months after subsequent doses. Primary outcome: neutralizing antibody (NAb; positive ≥1:20). Secondary: interferon-γ T-cell response (≥10 pg/mL), binding antibody, and safety.

Results: Most children with cancer responded to BNT162b2 vaccination despite anticancer treatment:

• After two doses, 66% (52/79) achieved NAb positivity and T-cell responses were seen in 59% (44/64).
• After three doses, NAb positivity rose to 80% (33/41) and T-cell responses to 74% (25/34).

Adverse events were mostly mild–moderate (e.g., fever, mucositis, headache), transient, and didn’t delay cancer treatment.

Clinical impact: These findings support routine COVID-19 vaccination in pediatric oncology patients, even during active treatment. Consider booster doses and individualized timing based on treatment intensity and immune status.

Source:

Body A, et al. (2025, August 8). Pediatrics. Immune Response to COVID-19 Vaccination in Children With Cancer. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40774663/