Different genes = different response to vaccines

I hope that readers who are less familiar with the science and evidence-based approach of functional medicine are able to appreciate the significance of this paper that was recently published in the journal Vaccine. The authors state: "The magnitude of the immune response to vaccinations can be influenced by genetic variability." This could, if attention is paid, bring more urgently needed research to bear on the critical principle at the heart of the benefits and risks of vaccination: individuals respond to vaccines differently. The investigators demonstrated that differences in the genes that code for cytokines ('messenger molecules' for the immune system) were clearly associated with variations in the immune response to childhood vaccination, with some children not gaining any immunity at all. The authors conclude: "These data suggest that genetic variations in cytokine genes can influence vaccine-induced immune responses in infants, which in turn may influence vaccine efficacy." We need a sound vaccination policy that establishes a standard of care using cost-effective evaluations to determine for each person their capacity to benefit from a vaccine, along with any predisposition for autoimmune reactions that could manifest at a later date.