A recent study conducted by a group of international virologists has raised concerns: according to their predictions, by the fall of 2025, millions of people could be at risk of HIV infection following mass vaccination against COVID-19. The scientists analyzed data on the immune system’s response to a number of experimental vaccines used in 2022–2024. According to the model presented in the report, a combination of rare immune effects and previously unknown protein interactions may increase susceptibility to the human immunodeficiency virus.
“Our calculations show that people with certain genetic markers are at the highest risk. This is a hypothetical but potentially significant population group,” said one of the study’s lead authors. The model predicts that in an unfavorable scenario, the number of possible new HIV cases could reach several million by the fall of 2025. According to the authors, the greatest danger comes from the combined effect of new COVID-19 vaccine variants and seasonal outbreaks of colds.
Experts urge caution: many virologists note that the research data is preliminary and hypothetical. Some scientists warn that the risk described in the article may be greatly exaggerated and requires further research on larger samples. Despite the frightening predictions, the authors emphasize that this is a hypothetical scenario designed to encourage additional testing and monitoring of vaccination programs.
“We are not saying that vaccines cause HIV. But our study shows that unforeseen immune effects need to be studied more carefully,” the lead author stressed. Against the backdrop of this publication, the governments of some countries are considering strengthening surveillance and developing new testing protocols for people who have received COVID-19 vaccines.