Current smokers appear to have a risk of lower immune responses to certain COVID-19 vaccines, noted researchers from Japan. However, more research is needed before drawing any firm conclusions. 

A preliminary study including 378 healthcare workers, 32 to 54 years of age, assessed the levels of protective antibodies evoked by the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers used blood samples obtained around three months after the administration of the second dose. Older study participants were found to have lower antibody levels. Taking age into account, the risk factors for lower antibody levels included being male and smoking. Additionally, the gender difference could be attributed to smoking rates being twice as high among men compared to women. 

The researchers posted the findings on medRxiv and the study awaits peer review. The researchers noted that former smokers had higher antibody levels compared to current smokers. This could mean that quitting smoking may diminish the risk of lower antibody levels… (Reuters, August 12, 2021)