Long-Term Durability of mRNA-Based Vaccine's Immune Response in Question

Researchers conducted a longitudinal observational study involving 184 employees at a German hospital to assess the mid-term follow-up of the immune response induced by two doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer mRNA-based vaccine, BNT162b2. The study aimed to determine the long-term durability of the induced immune response. The results showed a significant decrease in mean antibody ratio 9 months after the second dose, which may raise concerns about the vaccine's long-term effectiveness. The study's findings could have significant implications for public health policies and vaccination strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2 of BioNTech/Pfizer showed high efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease in the short term.
• However, the study found a significant decrease in mean antibody ratio 9 months after the second dose of the vaccine.
• The cellular immune response, evaluated by measuring Interferon-gamma release, was not assessable in this study.
• The study's sample size was 184 participants, all employees at a German hospital.
• The results highlighted the importance of monitoring the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines over time.
• The study's longitudinal design and 9-month follow-up period provide valuable insights into the vaccine's long-term effectiveness.

Statistics:

• 100% humoral response rate was described after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine.
• Mean antibody ratio decreased from 8.01 ± 1.00 to 3.84 ± 1.69 after 9 months.
• The study involved 184 participants, all hospital employees.
• The study's follow-up period was 9 months.

Sources:

• medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.12.17.21267926v1 (preprint abstract) [1]