COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination Generates Greater Immunoglobulin G Levels in Women Compared to Men

We investigated whether the antibody response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination is similar in women and men. In a community cohort without prior COVID-19, first vaccine dose produced higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and percent inhibition of spike-ACE2 receptor binding, a surrogate measure of virus neutralization, in women compared to men (7.0 mu g/mL, 51.6% vs 3.3 mu g/mL, 36.4%). After 2 doses, IgG levels remained significantly higher for women (30.4 mu g/mL) compared to men (20.6 mu g/mL), while percent inhibition was similar (98.4% vs 97.7%). Sex-specific antibody response to mRNA vaccination informs future efforts to understand vaccine protection and side effects.

Automated summary

In a community cohort without prior COVID-19 infection, women showed a stronger antibody response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination compared to men, especially after the first dose. After two doses, women continued to have significantly higher antibody levels than men, although the virus neutralization rate was similar. Sex-specific antibody responses to mRNA vaccination provide insights into vaccine protection and side effects.