Comparison of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA antibody responses post complete vaccination, 7 months later and after 3rd dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in healthy adults

Abstract

Background: The mRNA Covid-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) is administered in two doses with 21 days interval. On 4th October 2021 European Medicines Agency approved administration of a booster dose in at least 6 months after the second dose for people aged 18 years and older.

Objectives: In the present study we compare the anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and IgA antibody responses post complete vaccination, 7 months later and after the 3rd (booster) dose of the BNT162B2 vaccine in healthy adults.

Study design: The levels of vaccine IgG and IgA antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were assessed in serum samples obtained from individuals vaccinated with two doses and a booster of BNT162b2 vaccine. Samples were tested using the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RCB) IgG and IgA semi-quantitative commercial ELISA assay.

Results: The geometric mean of the anti-SARS-COV-2 IgG and IgA antibody level 7 months after vaccination of 90 healthy adults with BNT162B2 vaccine decreased significantly from 12.0 to 5.4 and 5.6 to 2.3, respectively. After the third dose of the same vaccine, the antibody level increased again, to values higher than at the beginning after the second dose.

Conclusions: Significant decrease of antibody levels within a few months after full vaccination could result in the higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially when new variants of the virus emerge. The booster could be crucial for protection against new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The antibody level seems to decrease slower in vaccinated individuals with history of COVID-19 and in younger individuals.

Keywords: Antibody; Covid-19 vaccine; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination.