Benefit of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in vaccine optimization for young children

Abstract

Whether it is mandatory to vaccinate young children against SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is still an ongoing topic of debate. Indeed, vaccine acceptance for young children is either too low (in the case of COVID-19) or, in some cases, unattainable (with the demand far exceeding the capacity of production in the case of RSV vaccines in some countries). In addition, while vaccines do confer immunity, they can be complicated by inflammatory reactions to the vaccine itself. This inflammatory response is controlled by the nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. Vagal tone optimization in and of itself confers some level of protection against viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2 or RSV, but the degree of protection has not been adequately evaluated. Even though additional studies are needed to validate a strategy of vagal optimization as an alternative to or co-treatment with vaccines, studies of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation should be supported by public health agencies as an adjunctive tool providing young children with safe, ready-to-use immunization and protection from vaccine reactions. This recommendation is based on scientific, epidemiological, ethical, and economic considerations.