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Age-dependent Immune Response to the Biontech/Pfizer BNT162b2 Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination
Lisa Müller1, Marcel Andrée1, Wiebke Moskorz1
1Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
Background:
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to the development of various vaccines. Real-life data on immune responses elicited in the most vulnerable group of vaccinees older than age 80 years old are still underrepresented despite the prioritization of the elderly in vaccination campaigns.
Methods:
We conducted a cohort study with 2 age groups, young vaccinees below the age of 60 years and elderly vaccinees over the age of 80 years, to compare their antibody responses to the first and second dose of the BNT162b2 coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination.
Results:
Although the majority of participants in both groups produced specific immunoglobulin G antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, titers were significantly lower in elderly participants. Although the increment of antibody levels after the second immunization was higher in elderly participants, the absolute mean titer of this group remained lower than the <60 years of age group. After the second vaccination, 31.3% of the elderly had no detectable neutralizing antibodies in contrast to the younger group, in which only 2.2% had no detectable neutralizing antibodies.
Conclusions:
Our data showed differences between the antibody responses raised after the first and second BNT162b2 vaccination, in particular lower frequencies of neutralizing antibodies in the elderly group. This suggests that this population needs to be closely monitored and may require earlier revaccination and/or an increased vaccine dose to ensure stronger long-lasting immunity and protection against infection.
Insights
Elderly individuals over 80 showed lower antibody responses to the BNT162b2 vaccine, with a higher percentage lacking neutralizing antibodies after two doses. This highlights the need for close monitoring and potential earlier revaccination in this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic spurred vaccine development, yet real-world data on immune responses in the elderly (over 80) remain limited.
- Elderly individuals were prioritized for vaccination campaigns, underscoring the need for data on their vaccine efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare antibody responses to the BNT162b2 vaccine in individuals over 80 versus those under 60.
- To assess the impact of the first and second vaccine doses on immune response in different age groups.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study design was employed, comparing two age groups: under 60 years and over 80 years.
- Antibody titers against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were measured after the first and second doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine.
Main Results:
- While most participants developed immunoglobulin G antibodies, titers were significantly lower in the elderly group.
- Elderly participants showed a lower frequency of detectable neutralizing antibodies post-vaccination (31.3%) compared to younger individuals (2.2%).
- Despite a higher increment in antibody levels after the second dose, the elderly group's absolute antibody titers remained lower.
Conclusions:
- BNT162b2 vaccination elicits differential antibody responses based on age, with lower neutralizing antibody frequencies observed in the elderly.
- The elderly population may require closer monitoring, earlier revaccination, or adjusted vaccine dosages to ensure sustained immunity and protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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