A Dynamic Model for Estimating the Retention Duration of Neutralizing Antibody Titers After Vaccination in a COVID-19 Convalescent Population

We measured neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in a cohort of 235 convalescent patients (representing 384 analytic samples). They were followed for up to 588 days after the first report of onset in Taiwan. A proposed Bayesian approach was used to estimate nAb dynamics in patients postvaccination. This model revealed that the titer reached its peak (1819.70 IU/mL) by 161 days postvaccination and decreased to 154.18 IU/mL by day 360. Thus, the nAb titers declined in 6 months after vaccination. Protection, against variant B.1.1.529 (ie, Omicron) may only occur during the peak period. A dynamic model estimates trends of neutralizing antibody titers in the COVID-19 convalescences. The titers after the vaccination approximately reached the peak values within 6 months, and most reinfections were observed when the intervals of vaccines were over 180 days.

Automated summary

A study found that neutralizing antibody titers reached their peak within 161 days after vaccination and decreased to lower levels by day 360. This indicates that neutralizing antibody titers decline within 6 months after vaccination, and protection against the Omicron variant may only occur during the peak period.