Intensity of Humoral Immune Responses, Adverse Reactions, and Post-Vaccination Morbidity after Adenovirus Vector-Based and mRNA Anti-COVID-19 Vaccines

The aim of the study was to compare mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 with adenovirus vector-based vaccines in terms of presence of adverse reactions, immunogenicity, and protection against COVID-19. A total of 270 individuals were enrolled, of which 135 were vaccinated with adenovirus vector-based vaccines and compared with 135 age- and sex-matched participants who received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Serum sampling was performed on all participants on days 21, 42, 90, and 180 following the first dose, to evaluate anti-spike IgG and IgA responses. Antibodies were quantified by chemiluminescent microplate and ELISA assays. We demonstrate that both mRNA and adenovirus vector-based vaccines caused mild side-effects and were effective in inducing adequate antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2, although BNT162b2 was superior concerning the intensity of antibody responses and protection against severe COVID-19. Moreover, we identify that IgG and IgA responses depended primarily on both history of previous COVID-19 infection and vaccination platform used, with individuals immunized with a single-dose vaccine having lower antibody titers over time. Lastly, all vaccine platforms had limited side-effects, with the most frequent pain at the injection site. Our results provide useful information regarding antibody responses after vaccination with different vaccine platforms, which can be useful for public health vaccination strategies.

Automated summary

The study compared mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 with adenovirus vector-based vaccines in terms of adverse reactions, immunogenicity, and protection against COVID-19. Both types of vaccines caused mild side-effects and induced adequate antibody responses. However, BNT162b2 showed superior intensity of antibody responses and better protection against severe COVID-19.