Antibody Response 3 Months after 2 Doses of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Background: Older adults living in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 and were identified as a priority group in COVID-19 vaccination strategies. Emerging evidence suggests vaccine effectiveness in LTCF populations, but data about median and long-term durability of immune response after vaccination are still limited. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the humoral response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 3 months after the second dose, in a cohort of 495 residents aged >= 65 years from 11 LTCF in Granada, Spain. Method: Between April 19 and April 30, 2021, we measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike IgG to evaluate the humoral vaccination response. Antibody titers were reported in binding antibody units (BAU/mL). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to investigate the impact of age, sex, underlying health conditions, and prior COVID-19 infection on the antibody levels. Results: Over 96% of the participants developed an adequate humoral response. We detected higher antibody titers in previously infected individuals, compared with those previously uninfected (B: 1,150.059 BAU/mL, p < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significant inverse association between age and antibody levels (B: -7.943 BAU/mL, p < 0.05). This negative age-dependent response was more noticeable among residents over 85 years old. In contrast, baseline health conditions and cognitive status were not associated with different antibody levels. Conclusions: These findings support monitoring COVID-19 vaccination response trend in older adults, in order to optimize future disease prevention and control strategies in this vulnerable population.

Automated summary

The study found that over 96% of residents aged 65 and older in 11 LTCFs in Granada developed an adequate humoral response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 3 months after the second dose. Previously infected individuals had higher antibody titers compared to those who were previously uninfected, while there was a significant negative association between age and antibody levels, particularly among residents over 85 years old.